at the bar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at the bar' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The couple was having a pleasant evening at the bar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I ate at the bar, alone, quickly.

The New York Times - Magazine

(Eat at the bar).

The New York Times - Food

At the bar, we suggested.

The New York Times

They sit at the bar.

The New York Times

Lines form at the bar.

The New Yorker

Some were at the bar.

The New Yorker

Standing at the bar is allowed.

The New York Times - Food

And ice water at the bar.

The New Yorker

The man at the bar had lied.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But the drinks at the bar help.

The New York Times

Tell her to sit at the bar.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the bar" to clearly indicate a location within a drinking establishment, whether referring to physical presence, activities, or interactions.

Common error

While "at the bar" is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, consider more formal alternatives like "within the establishment" or "in the lounge area" when writing formal documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the bar" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate location. Ludwig examples show it describing where actions occur, like "ate at the bar" or "lines form at the bar".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the bar" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote a specific location within an establishment serving drinks. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the numerous examples show its widespread use in news, media, and academic contexts. While its register leans towards neutral to informal, it's essential to consider the audience and context when choosing the most appropriate wording. For formal writing, alternatives such as "within the establishment" may be more suitable. Ultimately, "at the bar" effectively communicates a sense of place and activity in a familiar social setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the pub

Uses a synonym for "bar", common in British English.

at the tavern

Similar to "at the pub" but with a slightly different connotation.

by the bar

Indicates a location near or close to the bar area.

sitting at the counter

Focuses on the physical action of sitting, specifically at a counter commonly found in bars.

inside the tavern

Refers to being within the confines of a specific type of establishment.

in the taproom

Refers to a specific area where beer taps are located.

at the saloon

Suggests a more historical or western-themed bar setting.

around the wet bar

Describes the area surrounding a bar that includes a sink for washing glasses.

near the drinks

Highlights proximity to beverages typically served at a bar.

patronizing the bar

Highlights the act of being a customer or frequent visitor of the bar.

FAQs

How can I use "at the bar" in a sentence?

You can use "at the bar" to describe someone's location, action, or presence in a drinking establishment. For example, "I saw him "at the bar" last night" or "She was having a drink "at the bar"".

What are some alternatives to saying "at the bar"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "by the bar", "at the pub", or "inside the tavern".

Is it correct to say "in the bar" instead of "at the bar"?

While "in the bar" is grammatically correct, ""at the bar"" is more idiomatic when referring to the counter or immediate area where drinks are served.

What's the difference between "at the bar" and "near the bar"?

"At the bar" generally indicates a position right by the bar counter, whereas "near the bar" suggests a location in the vicinity but not necessarily right next to it.