at the machine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the machine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific location where a machine is situated, often in contexts related to work or technology. Example: "I will be working at the machine for the next few hours to complete the production run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I was still standing at the machine.

The New Yorker

I was right at the machine.

Cornell University

She then stuck her tongue out at the machine.

The New Yorker

Caroline stares at the machine as if it's a copperhead.

The New Yorker

Nellie sews away at the machine with sinister obsessiveness.

The Guardian - Books

The first had been at the machine for hours.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Mr. Klett's artful and striking photographs often parse the most minute details: a broken windowpane, a bent nail,.50-caliber bullets found at the machine-gun range.

The New York Times - Arts

The Urban OS was unveiled at the Machine-2-Machine conference in Rotterdam.

BBC

A look at the machine-made magic of Miguel Nóbrega.

Vice

The left forward section under Lance Corporal Kerry Rooney then advanced directly at the machine-gun located to their front, firing as they moved.

Wikipedia

Attendees at the Machine Intelligence Summit included industry leaders, computer scientists, and venture capitalists.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the machine", ensure the context clearly identifies which machine you are referring to, especially if multiple machines are present.

Common error

Avoid using "at the machine" when you mean "inside the machine" or "part of the machine". "At" indicates a location external to the machine itself. For example, say "the sensor inside the machine" instead of "at the machine" when referring to a component.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the machine" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating location or proximity. Ludwig examples show it denoting physical presence near a machine, whether operating it, standing by it, or observing it. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment as a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the machine" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase. It effectively indicates location or activity in relation to a machine across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the specific machine is clear in the context and avoid using "at" when "in" is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by the machine

Indicates proximity, focusing on physical closeness to the machine.

near the machine

Similar to "by", emphasizing being in the general vicinity of the machine.

beside the machine

Suggests being directly next to the machine.

operating the machine

Focuses on the action of using the machine, rather than just the location.

working on the machine

Implies a task or maintenance being performed on the machine.

at the controls

Emphasizes being in charge of the machine's operation.

handling the machine

Focuses on the physical interaction and manipulation of the machine.

in front of the machine

Specifies the position relative to the machine.

with the machine

Implies interaction or association with the machine.

on the machine

Indicates being physically located atop the machine.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the machine" to describe someone's location or activity. For example, "I was standing at the machine when the power went out" or "She is working at the machine all day today".

What's a good alternative to "at the machine" when describing location?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "by the machine", "near the machine", or "beside the machine" to indicate proximity.

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

The correct preposition depends on the meaning. "In the machine" usually refers to something located inside the machine, whereas "at the machine" describes someone or something near or operating the machine. For instance, you might say "there's a problem "in the machine"" but "I'm working "at the machine"".

Can "at the machine" refer to a person?

Yes, "at the machine" can refer to a person who is operating or located near the machine. For example, "The technician is skilled "at the machine" and can quickly diagnose any issues".