in a pub

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a pub" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a location where an action is taking place, such as in the following example: I met my friends in a pub last night and we had a great time catching up.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He's in a pub.

The Guardian - Film

"Kind of like in a pub".

The New York Times

Recently the writer read in a pub.

The New Yorker

Four blokes in a pub?

The Guardian

Peggy lives in a pub.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I met him in a pub.

The Guardian

It was like living in a pub.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Everything is wrapped in a pub/sub msg queue.

TechCrunch

* Paul Ince did NOT buy the DVD in a pub.

The Guardian - Sport

I grew up in a pub in Clavering, Essex.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some people can watch the game in a pub.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a pub" to describe situations or events that specifically occur within the setting of a pub, highlighting the unique social and cultural context it provides. For example, "Discussions often get lively in a pub after a football match."

Common error

Avoid using "in a pub" when the setting is more generic, like "bar" or "restaurant", as "pub" carries specific cultural connotations. For instance, instead of saying "They serve great food in a pub", if it's a high-end establishment, "They serve great food in a restaurant" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a pub" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of place, modifying a verb by indicating where an action occurs. Ludwig shows various examples, from meeting someone to having discussions, all taking place at this location.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a pub" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating the location of an action or event. As Ludwig highlights, it's grammatically correct and very common, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts. While generally neutral to informal, it may not always be suitable for highly formal settings. When seeking alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as "at a bar" or "at a tavern". Remember to use "in a pub" to specify the unique social and cultural context that this setting provides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a bar

Specifies a type of establishment similar to a pub, often focusing on the counter area.

at a tavern

Suggests a more traditional or old-fashioned type of pub.

at the local

Implies a familiar or neighborhood pub.

inside a bar

Focuses on the interior of the drinking establishment.

in a bar setting

Emphasizes the environment and atmosphere.

over drinks

Highlights the activity of drinking, implying a location where it is common.

at a public house

A more formal way of saying "in a pub".

at the brewery

Implies being at a place where beer is made and served

at a beer garden

Specifies an outdoor area of a pub.

in a social drinking place

Generalizes the location to any place where people drink together.

FAQs

How can I use "in a pub" in a sentence?

You can use "in a pub" to describe the location of an event or activity. For example, "I met my friend "in a pub" last night" or "They often have live music "in a pub" near the university".

What's the difference between "in a pub" and "at a bar"?

"In a pub" typically refers to a British-style establishment known for its relaxed atmosphere and wide selection of beers. "At a bar" is a more general term that can refer to any place where alcoholic beverages are served, which can include pubs, but also nightclubs, restaurants and hotels.

What can I say instead of "in a pub"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at a tavern", "at a bar", or "at the local" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "in a pub" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "in a pub" leans towards informal writing. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "at a public house" or simply specifying the type of establishment more broadly such as "at a licensed establishment".