at the mud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the mud" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct in most contexts.
It could potentially be used in a specific context related to being physically present in a muddy area, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The children played at the mud, splashing and laughing as they jumped in puddles."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Look at the mud!

The New York Times

She waved at the mud, the trash, and the half-dug latrine.

The New Yorker

We poked at the mud with a stick, and decided we had a 50percentt chance of making it.

The New York Times - Travel

In a later scene the father suffers a stroke, coiling onto the floor and clawing at the mud.

The Guardian - Film

By and large, they kept pace with or outdistanced the guys, showed no hesitation at the mud, and came out equally muddy.

The New Yorker

When Estefany was 10, an uncle arrived one morning at the mud hut the girl shared with her grandmother and other relatives.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

But not everything that goes on at the mud-caked festival is quite so highbrow.

The New York Times - Books

Oxygen depletion also occurs near the bottom because of processes at the mud-water interface, many of which are still inadequately explained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here at the mud-brick hut jokingly known as The New York Times's Khwaja Bahaouddin bureau, 21st century existence breathes a tenuous life.

The New York Times

He made the comments at a meeting in Qala Jangi, at the mud-brick fort of Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum of the Northern Alliance.

The New York Times

An hour and a half later, we arrived at the mud-walled compound of Fatima Zurai, a member of Gereshk's local women's council, through whom I hoped to meet Zarmina's parents.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common prepositions like "in", "by", or "near" the mud for clearer and more natural-sounding sentences.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "at" when indicating location, especially with physical substances like mud. Using "in" or "on" often provides a more precise and idiomatic description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the mud" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate a location or direction. Ludwig examples show its use in specifying where an action occurs, such as "look at the mud" or being present "at the mud hut".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the mud" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating location or direction, appearing most frequently in news and media sources. While Ludwig AI considers it acceptable, more common alternatives like "in the mud" or "by the mud" may provide clearer and more natural phrasing. To ensure accuracy and avoid potential awkwardness, consider the specific context and whether alternative prepositions might be more suitable. The frequency of this expression can be considered Common, as Ludwig shows that the expression, while not incorrect, is not the most widely used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the mud

Indicates being located or situated within mud; a more standard and frequently used preposition.

by the mud

Denotes proximity or nearness to mud, often implying a spatial relationship.

near the mud

Similar to "by the mud", emphasizing closeness in location.

on the mud

Specifies a position directly on top of a muddy surface.

along the mud

Suggests movement or presence parallel to a muddy area or surface.

towards the mud

Indicates movement in the direction of the mud.

adjacent to the mud

Emphasizes that something is immediately next to the mud.

close to the mud

Indicates being in the vicinity of the mud.

beside the mud

Similar to "by the mud", highlighting a side-by-side position.

abutting the mud

Indicates that something touches or borders the mud.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to using "at the mud" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in the mud", "by the mud", or "near the mud" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "at the mud" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "at the mud" is less common than other prepositions like "in" or "by". Ludwig AI indicates it's an acceptable phrase, but careful consideration should be given to the context to ensure clarity and naturalness.

When is it appropriate to use "at the mud"?

Using "at the mud" is suitable when specifying a general location, particularly when emphasizing presence in or direction toward the mud, although in some cases alternatives may sound more natural. Examples from reliable sources can guide appropriate usage.

How does "at the mud" differ from "in the mud"?

"At the mud" generally indicates a location, while "in the mud" suggests being immersed or contained within the mud. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing location versus condition.