at the cafeteria

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the cafeteria" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a location where an event or action is taking place, specifically within a cafeteria setting. Example: "Let's meet at the cafeteria for lunch and discuss the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He usually ate lunch, in uniform, at the cafeteria of York's middle school.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the cafeteria, she told our co-workers about it.

The New Yorker

"No, we were just looking at the cafeteria".

The New Yorker

At the cafeteria, Mr. Tucker met Ms. Sherman.

The New York Times

I watched her at the cafeteria for a month or more, but never saw her smile.

The New Yorker

Retired employees still lunch at the cafeteria, helping to nurture the all-important continuity.

The New York Times

The lodge is not stylish, and the choices at the cafeteria are limited.

The New York Times - Travel

The second precinct, at the cafeteria tables, went for Rick Santorum.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Turo-turo comes from the Tagalog verb that means "to point," and that's exactly what you do when ordering at the cafeteria-style counter: point to the dishes you want to try.

The New York Times

DINING Breakfast For more than 20 years, skiers have detoured on their way from parking lot to lift at the cafeteria-style Albion Grill (801-742-2500; www.albiongrill.com) for staples like homemade granola ($3.50) and English muffin breakfast sandwiches ($6.50).

The New York Times - Travel

You're getting a (surprisingly good) meal at the cafeteria.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events or routines, using "at the cafeteria" clearly specifies the location, especially in contexts like schools, workplaces, or institutions.

Common error

Avoid using "in the cafeteria" when "at the cafeteria" better suits the context. "At" emphasizes a specific location for an activity, while "in" emphasizes being enclosed within the space.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the cafeteria" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase of place, modifying a verb by indicating where an action occurs. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the cafeteria" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify a location. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. While often interchangeable with "in the cafeteria", it emphasizes location as a point of activity. When using the phrase, ensure it clearly indicates the setting for the action described. Alternative phrases like "in the lunchroom" or "at the canteen" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in formality or regional usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the cafeteria

Direct synonym, replacing 'at' with 'in' to indicate location within the cafeteria.

inside the cafeteria

Emphasizes being within the physical confines of the cafeteria.

at the lunchroom

Replaces 'cafeteria' with 'lunchroom', a more general term for a dining area.

at the school canteen

Replaces 'cafeteria' with 'canteen', a common term in some regions.

in the dining hall

Uses 'dining hall' instead of 'cafeteria', often implying a more formal setting.

by the cafeteria

Suggests proximity to the cafeteria, rather than being inside it.

near the cafeteria

Similar to 'by the cafeteria', indicating a location close to it.

eating at the cafeteria

Focuses on the activity of eating, specifying the location as the cafeteria.

in the mess hall

Replaces "cafeteria" with "mess hall", usually referring to military or camp settings.

dining at the cafeteria

Similar to 'eating at the cafeteria', but with a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the cafeteria" to specify a location where an action takes place, such as "I usually eat lunch "at the cafeteria"" or "Let's meet "at the cafeteria" after class".

What's a more formal alternative to "at the cafeteria"?

Depending on the context, you could use "in the dining hall" or "in the mess hall" if referring to a military or institutional setting. The formality depends on the specific location.

Is there a difference between saying "at the cafeteria" and "in the cafeteria"?

While both are often interchangeable, "at the cafeteria" emphasizes the location as a point of activity, whereas "in the cafeteria" highlights being within the space. The choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What are some synonyms for "cafeteria" that I can use "at the cafeteria"?

Synonyms include "lunchroom", "canteen", or "mess hall". The best choice depends on the specific setting you are describing.