at that nail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at that nail" is not a standard expression in written English and may not be easily understood without context.
It could potentially be used in a specific context related to carpentry, construction, or metaphorically to refer to a specific point or issue. Example: "When you hammer the wood, make sure to hit it right at that nail to ensure a secure fit."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Look at that nail".

The New Yorker

However, cultures of tap water at that nail salon later in the investigation yielded RGM in the M. chelonae-abscessus group but not M. fortuitum (1 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Fig. 10, shows the horizontal displacement of nail for dynamic condition, it is observed from the fig that nails at Ѳ = 0° gives a lesser displacement then Ѳ = 15° because of variation of nail length provided as the depth increases.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

That mission accomplished — with the aid of Jeter's famous flip play that nailed Jeremy Giambi at the plate — they advanced to the World Series, where they won three straight over the Diamondbacks after losing the first two games and then lost Game 6 in a rout and Game 7 in excruciating fashion, with Rivera unable to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning.

The New York Times - Sports

Cespedes retrieved the ball near the foul pole and air-mailed a stunning, high-arcing throw of about 300 feet to catcher Derek Norris that nailed Kendrick at the plate and preserved a 1-1 tie.

Los Angeles Times

That Mr Johnstone looks in detail at the "nails that stand up" inside a dozen or so Japanese firms (and not the familiar companies that have been written about often) makes his account a dozen times more interesting.

The Economist

It's Kim who's given us a different side to Jimmy – they share cigarettes, he paints her nails at the nail bar – that suggests a level of intimacy much more interesting than a simple romance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The buzz here at E3 is that Microsoft nailed Kinect.

TechCrunch

On a summer day at the nail salon, she told a customer that she wanted to go to the beach.

The New Yorker

John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, said that having "nailed his colours to the mast" over the Green Party's participation, it would be difficult for Mr Cameron to shun the debates if they were invited.

BBC

Purchase an at-home nail kit for whichever nail type you choose.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and precise prepositions like "on", "near", or "by" depending on the intended meaning related to the nail's position or function. For example, "on that nail" (if something rests upon it) or "near that nail" (if something is located close to it).

Common error

Avoid using "at that nail" when a more specific preposition like "on", "in", or "near" would provide clarity. "At" can be vague, so choose the preposition that best describes the spatial relationship you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at that nail" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate a location or point of reference. However, as Ludwig highlights, its usage is uncommon and can sound unnatural.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at that nail" is a prepositional phrase that attempts to specify a location in relation to a nail. However, Ludwig points out that its usage is rare and potentially awkward. Grammatically, it's not incorrect, but more common and precise prepositions like "on", "near", or "by" are typically preferred for clarity. According to Ludwig, the phrase appears in a mix of contexts, including news, science, and wiki sources, suggesting a varied but limited applicability. Consider using alternative phrases such as "at that point" or specifying whether something is "near the nail" or "on the nail" for improved understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that point

Replaces the specific reference to "nail" with a more general indication of a stage or moment in time or a process.

at that location

Substitutes 'nail' for a more general place descriptor. It indicates a place and not a step, action or similar

at that spot

Uses "spot" as a more vague and adaptable term for a particular area or place

on that nail

Changes the preposition from "at" to "on", implying a surface relationship rather than a location.

near that nail

Indicates proximity to the nail, rather than a precise location.

by that nail

Suggests being in the vicinity of the nail, often implying adjacency.

close to that nail

Similar to 'near that nail', specifying a close proximity.

right at the nail

Emphasizes the precision of the location at the nail.

precisely at the nail

Similar to 'right at the nail', with a stronger emphasis on exactness.

in that nail

Changes the preposition to "in", which implies that what is being discussed is inside the nail, rather than at its location.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "at that nail"?

The phrase "at that nail" is rarely used and may sound awkward. It's better to use more common phrases like "at that point" or "near the nail" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "at that nail" to indicate a specific location?

To indicate a specific location, you could use alternatives like "on the nail" (if something is resting on it), "near the nail" (if something is in proximity), or "in the nail hole" (if something is inside the hole created by the nail).

How does the meaning change if I use "on that nail" instead of "at that nail"?

Using "on that nail" suggests that something is physically resting or positioned on the surface of the nail. "At that nail" is less specific and can imply a more general location in the vicinity of the nail.

Is "at that nail" grammatically correct, or is there a better way to phrase it?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "at that nail" is unusual and not idiomatic. Rephrasing with "near that nail" or "at that location" provides better clarity and is generally preferred.