be present at

USAGE SUMMARY

"be present at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe attending an event or being in a certain place at a certain time. For example: "I will be present at the meeting on Tuesday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Foster's wife had insisted he be present at Nicholas's birth.

The New Yorker

The Venezuelan leader will also be present at the event.

The Guardian

Carrie bounded downstairs, to be present at the happy greetings.

The New Yorker

He does have to be present at the trial.

The New Yorker

The filmmakers will be present at all screenings.

The New York Times - Arts

Now it's hard for people to actually be present at the show.

The New York Times

"Creativity must be present at every level of every artistic and technical part of the organization".

The New York Times

The original mentioned Vodafone's recharge truck, which will not now be present at the Wireless festival.

The Guardian - Tech

You really have to be present at a flight to appreciate its musicality.

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Anthony and Ms. Shimin will be present at the screening of their film.

The New York Times

His family had caught up with him to be present at his deathbed.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be present at" when you want to emphasize not just attendance, but also active engagement or a specific role at an event or location. This is particularly effective in formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be present at" in very casual situations where simpler alternatives like "attend" or "go to" would sound more natural. The formality of the phrase can feel out of place in informal conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be present at" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating someone's attendance or existence in a specific place or event. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be present at" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to denote attendance or presence at a specific event or location. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's suitable for formal and neutral communication, often found in news articles, scientific publications, and business contexts. While alternatives like "attend" exist, "be present at" carries a slightly more formal tone. When incorporating this phrase, remember to ensure it aligns with the context, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, demonstrating its wide acceptance and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Attend

Direct synonym focusing on the action of being at an event.

Be in attendance at

A more formal and emphatic way of stating presence.

Show up at

Informal way to say that someone arrived at the event.

Be on hand for

Highlights readiness to assist or participate.

Participate in

Emphasizes active involvement rather than just presence.

Be a part of

Suggests membership or inclusion in something happening.

Grace with one's presence

A humorous or overly formal way of saying someone attended.

Visit

Implies going to see a location or event.

Witness

Focuses on observing an event as it happens.

Make an appearance at

Suggests a brief or ceremonial presence.

FAQs

How can I use "be present at" in a sentence?

Use "be present at" to indicate attendance or participation in an event. For instance, "The CEO will "be present at" the conference" suggests the CEO will attend and possibly participate.

What are some alternatives to "be present at"?

Alternatives include "attend", "be in attendance at", or "show up at". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "be present at" more formal than "attend"?

Yes, "be present at" is generally considered more formal than "attend". Use "be present at" in professional or official communications.

What's the difference between "be present at" and "participate in"?

"Be present at" simply indicates attendance, while "participate in" suggests active involvement. You can "be present at" a meeting without actively participating, but if you participate, you are necessarily present.