at the gate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the gate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a location near the entrance or exit of a place (e.g. a school, building, city, etc). For example, "She was waiting for me at the gate of the school".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Gringos at the Gate" (U.S).

The New York Times

At the gate.

Yale University

General admission is $12 at the gate.

The New York Times

"Martin," she'd said at the gate.

The New Yorker

The sentries at the gate saluted Naquib.

The New Yorker

A crowd was waiting at the gate.

The New Yorker

There is a guard at the gate.

The Economist

The barbarians are at the gate.

The New York Times - Health

That bill is stalled at the gate.

The New York Times

at the gate of memory?

The New York Times - Magazine

Cut lotus at the gate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the gate" to describe a specific location, ensure the context makes it clear which gate you are referring to, especially if there are multiple gates in the vicinity.

Common error

Avoid using "at the gate" literally when you intend a metaphorical meaning, such as 'approaching a major decision'. Instead, opt for phrases like "on the verge of" or "nearing the point of" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the gate" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of place, modifying a verb by indicating where an action occurs. It specifies a location near or directly adjacent to a gate. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the gate" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote a location near an entrance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use in varied contexts, predominantly within News & Media. While its primary function is to specify location, it can also be used metaphorically. For clarity, ensure the intended meaning is evident from the context. Alternatives like "by the entrance" or "near the portal" can provide nuanced variations. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by the entrance

Refers to a position near the entry point, similar to "at the gate" but with a slightly broader scope.

near the portal

Indicates proximity to an entrance or gateway, often implying a more symbolic or significant access point.

at the doorway

Specifies a location right at the entrance of a building or room.

at the threshold

Highlights the very beginning or edge of an entrance, emphasizing the transition point.

by the barrier

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical obstacle present at the entrance.

at the entry point

Directly refers to the location where access is gained.

at the checkpoint

Implies a location where security or verification takes place upon entry.

in the vicinity of the gate

Broader than "at the gate", indicating the general area around the gate.

at the perimeter

Highlights the outer boundary or edge, which may include the gate.

before the gate

Indicates a position just before reaching the gate, emphasizing approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the gate" to indicate a location near the entrance of a place, such as "I'll meet you "at the gate" of the park" or "The protesters gathered "at the gate" of the factory".

What are some alternatives to "at the gate"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "by the entrance", "near the portal", or "at the doorway" as alternatives to "at the gate".

Is it correct to say "at the gate" or should I use "by the gate"?

Both "at the gate" and "by the gate" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. However, "at the gate" is more common when specifying a precise location right at the entrance, while "by the gate" can also imply being near or in the vicinity of the gate.

Can "at the gate" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "at the gate" can be used metaphorically to suggest being on the verge of something or facing a barrier, similar to how one might be literally positioned at a gate before entering or being blocked. However, ensure the metaphorical usage is clear and appropriate to avoid confusion.