at the fence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the fence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location or position near or next to a fence. Example: "The children were playing at the fence, watching the animals in the neighboring field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People are waiting at the fence".

The New York Times

Brambles tug at the fence wires.

The New York Times

The dog hurls himself at the fence.

The New Yorker

Tory and Labour, have balked at the fence of privatisation.

The Economist

We recorded several Chelodina longicollis recaptures at the fence and many of these were later found dead at the fence, indicating persistent attempts to navigate past the fence.

Journal for Nature Conservation

Below, an early look at the fence riders.

The New York Times

We arrived at the fence near the creek and peeped in.

The New Yorker

After each game, she met Hayden at the fence as he left the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Over and over, he rushed at the fence, each time gaining a few inches of height.

The New Yorker

John Blaske's cows are lined up at the fence; cicadas trill from the trees.

The Guardian

Haskett took reporters out on the steeply banked front straightway to look at the fence extension.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement or activity that happens sequentially or over a distance near the fence, consider using "along the fence" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "at the fence" when you mean simply "near" or "close to" the fence if there isn't a direct interaction or specific location involved. "Near the fence, there were flowers" is more appropriate if the flowers aren't directly touching the fence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the fence" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating location or position relative to a fence. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the fence" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote a location directly next to a fence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and sports-related writing. When using "at the fence", ensure it accurately describes the intended proximity and interaction with the fence, avoiding its misuse for general nearness. Alternatives like "near the fence" or "by the fence" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the fence

Indicates a location in close proximity to the fence, focusing on nearness.

by the fence

Suggests a position adjacent to the fence, emphasizing physical closeness.

along the fence

Implies movement or location extending the length of the fence.

close to the fence

Highlights the short distance from the fence.

against the fence

Suggests direct contact or leaning on the fence.

adjacent to the fence

Formally indicates being next to the fence.

in the vicinity of the fence

Describes being in the general area of the fence.

bordering the fence

Emphasizes the fence as a boundary line.

in proximity to the fence

A more formal way of saying near the fence.

surrounding the fence

Indicates something is all around the fence.

FAQs

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

Use "at the fence" to specify a location right next to a fence, implying a direct interaction or position. For instance, "The cows were lined up "at the fence", waiting for food".

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

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "near the fence", "by the fence", or "along the fence". Each option slightly alters the sense of proximity and relationship to the fence.

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

No, "in the fence" isn't generally correct unless you're describing something literally inside the structure of the fence. "At the fence" indicates a location adjacent to it.

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

"At the fence" suggests a more immediate adjacency or interaction with the fence. "Near the fence" is more general and implies being in the vicinity but not necessarily right next to it.