at something

USAGE SUMMARY

"at something" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is often used to denote the location or direction of an action or towards something or someone. Here are a few examples of how it can be used: 1. He threw the ball at the target and it hit the bullseye. 2. The children were all laughing at the funny movie. 3. Please aim at the center of the board. 4. She stood at the window, gazing out at the beautiful view. 5. He was shouting at his phone, frustrated with the slow internet connection. 6. The students were all staring at the teacher, waiting for her to begin the lesson. 7. The angry customer was yelling at the manager, demanding a refund. 8. I waved at my friend as she walked by. 9. The cat was pouncing at the toy mouse, trying to catch it. 10. We all gasped at the incredible magic trick.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At something".

The New Yorker

Angry at something.

The New Yorker

"We're looking at something special.

The New York Times - Sports

But look at something else.

Independent

But Carlsen enjoyed being extraordinary at something.

The New Yorker

Or do they hint at something worse?

Independent

"It's not just looking at something".

The New York Times

"I need to work at something".

The New York Times - Sports

Look at something like atomic energy.

The New Yorker

She was good at something, though – singing.

Independent

Everybody, including the manager, doubles at something.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing skills or expertise, use "good at something" or "expert at something" to highlight proficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "at something" when "with something" or "in something" would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "He struggled at the task", say "He struggled with the task".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at something" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often indicating the direction of an action, the object of an emotion, or an area of skill or expertise. As Ludwig shows, it connects a verb or adjective to a noun or pronoun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at something" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate direction, focus, or expertise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its specific meaning depends heavily on the surrounding words, and it's crucial to choose the right preposition to maintain clarity. By avoiding common errors and understanding its various applications, you can effectively use "at something" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

towards something

Replaces "at" with "towards", emphasizing direction or movement.

regarding something

Shifts the focus to the subject or topic being considered.

about something

Indicates concern or focus on a particular topic.

concerning something

Similar to "regarding something", but can imply a more formal context.

in relation to something

Highlights a connection or association with a particular subject.

pertaining to something

Suggests relevance or connection to a specific matter.

with respect to something

Introduces a specific aspect or viewpoint related to a topic.

in connection with something

Emphasizes a link or association to a particular subject or event.

in terms of something

Frames a discussion or analysis within the context of a particular factor.

in regard to something

Functions similarly to "regarding something", offering a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "at something" in a sentence?

You can use "at something" to indicate direction, focus, or skill, such as "He aimed the camera "at something" beautiful" or "She's really good "at something" like playing the piano".

What's the difference between "good at something" and "good in something"?

"Good at something" typically refers to a specific skill or activity, while "good in something" often relates to a broader field or area of study. For example, "She's good "at something", like baking", versus "She's good in science".

Are there formal alternatives to "at something"?

Depending on the context, you could use more formal alternatives like "regarding something", "concerning something", or "with respect to something".

When should I use "aim at something" versus "aim for something"?

"Aim at something" implies a direct target, while "aim for something" suggests a goal or objective. For example, "Aim the laser "at something" specific" versus "Aim for success in your career".