at the ceilings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the ceilings" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when referring to something located or happening at the level of the ceilings in a physical space. Example: "The lights were installed at the ceilings to provide better illumination for the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Look at the ceilings.

The New York Times

The Art Center has a series of mirrors at the ceilings so that a person standing just inside the entrance can observe the farthest gallery.

The New Yorker

For one customer, Mr. Kellogg is making an 11-room house with an all-wood library, wainscoted walls, parquet floors, molding at the ceilings, electrified wall sconces and a chandelier.

The New York Times

The galleries that initially seemed to form a relentlessly demanding path now have a new sense of flow; by breaking though some walls and leaving gaps at the ceilings, the space has been opened up and options provided.

The New York Times - Arts

One kind of these methods is to regularize such a model by smoothing out the corners at the ceilings and the floors without substantially modifying the assumptions of the model, but including some realistic situations.

Advances in Difference Equations

(After that) I used to walk around the Huntington and look up at the ceilings and wonder if it was there". Friday morning her wondering ended.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"At the ceiling.

The New Yorker

He stares at the ceiling.

The New Yorker

Emilio stared at the ceiling.

The New York Times - Health

I stared at the ceiling.

The New Yorker

Kearns stared at the ceiling.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing architectural details or installations, use "at the ceilings" to precisely indicate items located at the ceiling level, such as "molding at the ceilings" or "mirrors at the ceilings".

Common error

Avoid using "at the ceilings" when "on the ceilings" is more appropriate. "At the ceilings" implies a general location near the ceiling level, while "on the ceilings" specifies something directly affixed or positioned on the surface.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the ceilings" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by specifying location. Ludwig AI examples show it indicating where something is situated in relation to the ceilings, whether it's a physical feature or an action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the ceilings" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote a location near or at the level of ceilings. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct, although relatively rare, in modern English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the intended meaning, particularly distinguishing it from "on the ceilings" or "above the ceilings". Alternatives like "near the ceilings" or "at ceiling level" may sometimes provide clearer or more common phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the ceilings

Specifies a location directly on the surface of the ceilings.

at ceiling level

Highlights a position corresponding to the height of the ceilings.

above the ceilings

Implies something is positioned higher than the ceilings.

up by the ceilings

Emphasizes upward positioning relative to the ceilings.

near the ceilings

Indicates a location close to the ceilings, but not necessarily touching it.

close to the ceilings

Another way to express nearness or proximity to the ceilings.

by the ceilings

Indicates proximity, similar to "near the ceilings".

in the ceiling area

Refers to the general vicinity of the ceilings.

around the ceilings

Indicates surrounding the ceilings in some way.

towards the ceilings

Indicates movement or direction in the upward direction of the ceilings.

FAQs

How can I properly use "at the ceilings" in a sentence?

Use "at the ceilings" to specify a location or feature positioned at the ceiling level, such as architectural details or installations. For instance: "The galleries that initially seemed to form a relentlessly demanding path now have a new sense of flow; by breaking though some walls and leaving gaps at the ceilings, the space has been opened up and options provided."

What phrases can I use instead of "at the ceilings"?

Alternatives include "on the ceilings" (for items directly on the surface), "above the ceilings" (for things higher than the ceilings), or "near the ceilings" (for general proximity).

Is it more appropriate to say "on the ceilings" or "at the ceilings"?

The choice depends on context. Use "on the ceilings" when something is physically resting on the ceiling's surface. Use "at the ceilings" to refer to features or installations generally located at the ceiling level.

What is the difference between "at the ceilings" and "above the ceilings"?

"At the ceilings" indicates a position at the level of the ceilings. "Above the ceilings" implies a position higher than the ceilings; for instance, in the space between the ceilings and the next floor.