by the bar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the bar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location near a bar or to indicate proximity to a bar setting. Example: "We decided to sit by the bar while waiting for our table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Maybe I'll stop by the bar 2nite.

The New York Times

We caught up with him by the bar.

The Washington Post

Moreover, the forging load was influenced by the bar size.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

And look, by the bar -- isn't that Harvey Weinstein?

The New York Times

The stars, meanwhile, were caught upstairs by the bar.

The New York Times

The warier guests stayed in back, by the bar.

The New Yorker

Standing by the bar, Ms. Philipps raised her glass.

The New York Times

Three impeccably dressed Southern ladies dine demurely by the bar.

The New York Times

Many of the stars, meanwhile, were found by the bar.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The 3'-adapter was ligated first, followed by the bar-coded 5'-adapter.

Plosone

The study was approved by the Bar-Ilan University Ethics Review Board (Ramat Gan, Israel).

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by the bar" to clearly indicate a location near a bar, especially when describing scenes or actions taking place in a social setting. For instance, "We met by the bar and started talking."

Common error

Avoid using "by the bar" when you mean "at the bar". "By" indicates proximity, while "at" implies direct interaction or being positioned right at the bar counter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the bar" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or proximity. It describes where someone or something is situated in relation to a bar. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in specifying location within a setting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

10%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by the bar" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate proximity to a bar. According to Ludwig, it serves to provide spatial context in various settings, particularly in news, media, and informal communication. While alternatives like "near the bar" or "at the bar" exist, "by the bar" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. The phrase's frequency and clarity make it a useful tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near the bar

Indicates close physical proximity to the bar.

at the bar

Suggests a location directly at the bar, possibly implying interaction.

next to the bar

Emphasizes adjacency to the bar.

close to the bar

Similar to "near the bar" but slightly less direct.

in the bar area

Refers to a general area within the bar's vicinity.

around the bar

Suggests a broader area surrounding the bar.

by the counter

Highlights proximity to the service counter, common in bars.

adjacent to the bar

A more formal way of saying next to the bar.

in the vicinity of the bar

Indicates a general area near the bar.

over by the bar

Suggests a location somewhat distant but still within sight of the bar.

FAQs

How can I use "by the bar" in a sentence?

You can use "by the bar" to describe someone or something located near a bar. For example, "She was standing "near the bar", waiting for her friends."

What's a good alternative to "by the bar"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""near the bar"", "at the bar", or "next to the bar".

Is it correct to say "at the bar" instead of "by the bar"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "By the bar" indicates proximity, while "at the bar" usually implies being at the bar counter or directly engaged with it.

What's the difference between "by the bar" and "in the bar area"?

"By the bar" refers to a specific location close to the bar itself. "In the bar area" is more general, referring to the broader area where the bar is located.