at the church

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the church" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a location where an event or activity is taking place, specifically within a church building or premises. Example: "We will meet at the church for the community service this Sunday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mass at the church.

The New York Times

The roof had leaked at the church.

The New York Times

A reception will follow at the church.

The New York Times

Funeral Mass Saturday 10am at the Church.

The New York Times

He volunteered at the church farm.

The New York Times

Finally they arrived at the church.

The New Yorker

We stopped at the church of San Giacomo.

The New York Times - Travel

I don't know anybody at the church.

The New York Times

Brent is treasurer at the church.

The New York Times

Funeral Service Thursday, 10am at the Church.

The New York Times

She still plays piano at the church.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the church", ensure the context clearly indicates a location or activity directly related to the church building or its associated functions. For example, "The wedding will be held at the church.".

Common error

Avoid using "at the church" when you mean general religious involvement or belief. Instead of saying, "He is very spiritual at the church", say "He is very spiritual and active in the church community" or "He is deeply religious."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the church" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a location or a setting. It is used to specify where an event, activity, or state of being is situated, directly associating it with the church building or its premises. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the church" is a grammatically sound and very commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to indicate a location or setting associated with a church. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly relates to the church building or its activities, and to avoid using it when referring to general religious involvement. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "at the church" in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within the church

Focuses on being inside the church building, rather than just the general vicinity.

in the church

A common alternative, emphasizing presence inside the church.

on church grounds

Specifies the location as being on the property belonging to the church.

in the house of worship

A more formal way of saying "at the church", emphasizing the religious function of the building.

at the parish church

More specific, indicating a particular church within a parish.

at the house of God

Another more reverent synonym for "at the church".

during the service

Implies that an action takes place during a religious service or ceremony.

at the chapel

Using another word for church, more specific.

attending the church

Indicates presence and participation in church activities.

in the sanctuary

Refers to the most sacred part of the church building.

FAQs

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

Use "at the church" to indicate a location or event happening in or on the grounds of a church building. For example, "The meeting will take place "at the church" this Sunday."

What are some alternatives to "at the church"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in the church", "on church grounds", or "within the church".

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

Both "in the church" and ""at the church"" are generally correct and often interchangeable. "In the church" typically refers to being inside the building, while "at the church" can refer to being on the church grounds or participating in church activities.

What is the difference between "at the church" and "attending the church"?

"At the church" specifies a location, whereas "attending the church" implies participation in services or activities.