at the harbor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the harbor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a location where ships dock or where maritime activities take place. Example: "We decided to have lunch at the harbor while watching the boats come in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

At the harbor turn, he overtook Seebold.

The New York Times - Sports

Next to the giant chalkboard menu hangs a photograph of Papa, at the harbor in Cojimar.

The New York Times - Food

We don't want to sit in the slow lane at the Harbor Tunnel toll plaza.

The New York Times

MAMARONECK -- "Art at the Harbor," local artists sell their work and paint on location.

The New York Times

John Whelan, the chef, cooked at the Harbor Light in Belle Harbor, Queens.

The New York Times

When she heard I was staying at the Harbor Light Inn, the curator clapped her hands.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Dr. Ravi Srivastava, a Hindu priest, officiated at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The New York Times

From there, head to 36 Main Street and eat a lobster with the locals at the Harbor Cafe ([phone]).

The Guardian - Travel

A member of the health club, Chris Murphy, who works at the Harbor Lanes Bowling Alley next door, said he had worked out with Mr. Algeri.

The New York Times

Beaches in South Boston and at the Harbor Islands are sandy, scenic and swimmable - if you can bear the frigid water!  .  .

BBC

The county footed the bill for airfare, meals, and accommodations at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the harbor" when referring to a specific point or activity within the harbor area, rather than just the general vicinity. For example, "The ship docked at the harbor" focuses on the precise location of docking.

Common error

Avoid using "at the harbor" when you mean a more general coastal area. "At the harbor" implies a specific, contained area with docks and maritime facilities, not just any place near the sea.

Linguistic Context

The prepositional phrase "at the harbor" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying a location. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase indicates where an action occurs, such as "docking at the harbor" or "watching the sunset at the harbor."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the harbor" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify a location within a harbor area. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase functions primarily as an adverbial, adding location detail to actions or descriptions. The register is typically neutral, making it suitable for various contexts from news reports to general narratives. While "at the harbor" enjoys widespread use across various domains, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media. Common alternatives include "by the harbor" or "near the harbor". Make sure you are using harbor in contexts in which a maritime location or activity is clearly indicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by the harbor

Indicates a location immediately adjacent to the harbor.

at the port

Uses a synonym for harbor, maintaining the same preposition and structure.

near the harbor

Implies proximity to the harbor, but not necessarily right next to it.

at the marina

Refers to a harbor specifically designed for yachts and recreational boats.

in the harbor area

Refers to the general vicinity or district surrounding the harbor.

at the pier

Identifies a specific structure within the harbor, such as a loading pier.

on the waterfront

Specifies a location along the edge of the water, typical of harbor areas.

beside the docks

Similar to "along the docks", but implies direct adjacency.

along the docks

Focuses on the specific structures within the harbor used for docking.

in the bay

Describes a broader area of water where the harbor might be situated.

FAQs

How is "at the harbor" used in a sentence?

The phrase "at the harbor" typically indicates a location or activity within a harbor. For example, "The fishing boats are docked "at the harbor"", or "We enjoyed a seafood dinner "at the harbor"".

What can I say instead of "at the harbor"?

You can use alternatives like "by the harbor", "near the harbor", or "on the waterfront", depending on the specific context.

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

Both "in the harbor" and "at the harbor" can be correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "In the harbor" often refers to being inside the water area of the harbor, while "at the harbor" generally refers to a location or activity within the broader harbor area, including docks and surrounding facilities.

What's the difference between "at the harbor" and "at the port"?

"At the harbor" generally refers to a smaller, often recreational or fishing-oriented area, while "at the port" usually refers to a larger, more industrial or commercial area with facilities for cargo and large vessels. They can sometimes be used interchangeably, but "at the port" implies a more significant maritime infrastructure.