at the dormitory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the dormitory" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something or someone is located within or near a dormitory. Here are a few examples: - She left her keys at the dormitory, so she had to ask her roommate to let her in. - The party will be held at the dormitory lounge, which is located on the first floor. - We're meeting at the dormitory at 7pm to go over our group project. - The students at the dormitory have access to a communal kitchen for cooking meals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

I GAVE AT THE DORMITORY At a number of campuses, dormitories are being set up to facilitate community service projects.

The New York Times - Magazine

We are at the dormitory and too scared to go out even to the supermarket.

The Guardian

Mr. Ibrahim-nejad had been visiting friends at the dormitory on the day of the protest.

The New York Times

East Campus president Harvey C. Jones '06 described him as a fixture at the dormitory who took interest in the students.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But a crowd gathered at the dormitory complex to commemorate the attack anyway, holding a vigil and exhibiting pictures of the aftermath of the raid.

The New York Times

I woke one night to see Ron, a terrifying young man built like a sumo wrestler, standing at the dormitory entrance.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It assigns value to holdings as minor as the dormitory at Woodbridge Airfield worth £2.8m, since you ask.

The Economist

They threw exploding "cracker balls" at the dormitories and snowballs at trucks passing on Front Street.

The New York Times

Rabbi Robert D. Levy is to officiate in the common room at the Lawyers Club, the dormitory for law students at the University of Michigan.

The New York Times

Groups of hikers were setting out at midnight and the dormitory was noisy.

The Guardian - Travel

Weinstein was 19 at the time and staying in the dormitory at the University of Connecticut, and Scheimer was surprised to find out that Weinstein was so young.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the dormitory" when specifying an event, location, or activity occurring in or immediately adjacent to a dormitory building. For example, "Meet me at the dormitory entrance."

Common error

Avoid using "in the dormitory" when you mean to refer to an event taking place near the dormitory building's entrance or general vicinity. "At the dormitory" is more appropriate for general locations, while "in the dormitory" strictly implies being inside the building.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the dormitory" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate location or circumstance. It is commonly used to specify where an action takes place or where someone or something is situated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the dormitory" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate a location in or near a dormitory. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide acceptance. Its neutral to informal register makes it versatile across various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. While alternatives like "in the dormitory" or "near the dormitory" exist, they carry slightly different nuances. Using "at the dormitory" effectively involves understanding its locational precision and the potential for confusion with similar phrases. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can confidently and accurately employ this phrase in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the dormitory

Indicates being inside the dormitory, focusing on the interior space.

at the dorm

A shortened, more informal version of "at the dormitory".

in dormitory

A more concise way to say being inside a dormitory.

at the residence hall

A more formal alternative, often used in official communications.

at the student housing

A broader term encompassing various forms of student accommodation.

in the student residence

Refers to the dwelling that is a student residence

in the hall of residence

A common alternative, particularly in British English.

near the dormitory

Indicates proximity to the dormitory, rather than being inside.

outside the dormitory

Specifically denotes a location external to the dormitory building.

by the dormitory

Indicates close proximity to the dormitory.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the dormitory" to indicate a location or event. For example, "The meeting will be held at the dormitory" or "She is waiting for you at the dormitory entrance."

What's a shorter way to say "at the dormitory"?

A shorter, more informal alternative is "at the dorm".

Which is more formal, "at the dormitory" or "in the dormitory"?

"At the dormitory" is generally more versatile, while "in the dormitory" specifically means inside the building. For a more formal tone, consider using "at the residence hall".

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

"At the dormitory" suggests a location either inside or very close to the building. "Near the dormitory" indicates proximity but not necessarily direct adjacency.