at the scene

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the scene" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a location, often one that is related to a crime or accident. For example: "The police officers arrived at the scene to investigate the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She died at the scene.

The New York Times

He died at the scene.

The New York Times

He was grinning at the scene.

The New Yorker

I was not seen at the scene".

The New York Times

She was declared dead at the scene.

The New York Times

Paramedics pronounce Scott dead at the scene.

Independent

He waves his arms at the scene.

The New York Times

Forensic investigators were also at the scene.

Independent

Shell casings were found at the scene.

The New York Times

We have 25 firefighters at the scene".

Independent

Airman Alden died at the scene.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the scene" to provide a clear and concise indication of where something or someone is located, particularly when describing events or incidents.

Common error

Avoid using "in the scene" instead of "at the scene" when referring to a location where an event has occurred. "At" indicates a specific point or place, while "in" implies enclosure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the scene" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate location. It specifies where an action occurred or where someone or something was present, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the scene" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to specify a location, particularly where an event or incident has taken place. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and indicates its frequent appearance in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended location and avoid confusing it with similar phrases like "in the scene". Alternatives such as "on site" or "present at the location" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to prioritize clarity and accuracy when using "at the scene" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the location

A more general way of specifying a place.

on site

Focuses on the physical presence at a specific location.

present at the location

Emphasizes the act of being present at a particular place.

in attendance

Highlights formal presence, often at an event.

in place

Indicates something is correctly positioned or ready at a location.

on the premises

Refers to being within the bounds of a property or establishment.

within the vicinity

Describes being nearby or in the surrounding area.

in situ

A more technical term for something being in its original place.

there

Simply indicates presence without specifying any further details.

nearby

Indicates a close proximity to the location.

FAQs

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

Use "at the scene" to specify a location where something is happening or has happened. For example, "The police arrived "at the scene" of the accident."

What's a good alternative to "at the scene"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "on site", "present at the location", or "in attendance".

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

No, "in the scene" is generally incorrect when referring to a location. "At the scene" is the standard and grammatically correct usage.

What does "at the scene" mean?

"At the scene" refers to being present or located at a specific place, often one connected to an event, incident, or crime.