in the lobby

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the lobby" is correct and commonly used in written English.
For example, you can use it when writing about someone entering a building: "John walked into the office building and headed to the lobby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No shops in the lobby.

The New Yorker

She got off in the lobby.

The New York Times

Abdulaziz was waiting in the lobby.

The New Yorker

Get a listening device in the lobby.

The New York Times

David met us in the lobby.

The New Yorker

Should I wait in the lobby?

The New Yorker

No wearing flip-flops in the lobby.

The New York Times

The party was held in the lobby.

The New Yorker

"Or I can wait in the lobby?

The New Yorker

A flooded cloakroom in the lobby?

Independent

Walked past three cops in the lobby.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location within a building, use "in the lobby" to clearly indicate the area immediately inside the entrance where people often wait or gather. Ensure that the context makes it clear which building's lobby you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "at the lobby" or "on the lobby". The correct preposition is "in", indicating being inside the enclosed space. For example, say "I'm waiting "in the lobby"", not "I'm waiting at the lobby".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the lobby" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of place, modifying a verb by specifying the location where an action occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage aligns with standard English grammar. Many examples show people waiting or meeting inside a lobby.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the lobby" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to specify location within the entrance area of a building. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is consistent with standard English grammar. Predominantly found in "News & Media", this phrase serves to provide clear contextual information. To avoid common errors, always use "in" rather than "at" or "on", and ensure clarity regarding which building's lobby you're referencing. Related phrases, such as "in the reception area" and "in the foyer", can offer similar meanings depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within the lobby

Uses a more formal and emphatic way to specify being inside the lobby.

in the reception area

Focuses on a more formal area for receiving guests or clients.

in the foyer

Uses a more formal term for an entrance hall or lobby.

in the entrance hall

Emphasizes the hall immediately inside the entrance.

just inside the entrance

Indicates a position immediately after entering.

in the front hall

Highlights the area just past the front door.

inside the entrance

A more generic description of the area immediately upon entering a building.

in the waiting room

Specifies a room designated for waiting.

near the entrance

Signifies proximity to the entrance, but not necessarily inside the lobby.

at the reception desk

Specifies a location directly at the desk where visitors are greeted.

FAQs

How can I use "in the lobby" in a sentence?

You can use "in the lobby" to describe someone or something's location within the entrance area of a building. For example, "She was waiting "in the lobby" for her ride."

What are some alternatives to saying "in the lobby"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in the reception area", "in the entrance hall", or "in the foyer".

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

No, the correct preposition to use is "in". Saying "at the lobby" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Use "in the lobby" to denote being inside the lobby area.

What's the difference between "in the lobby" and "near the entrance"?

"In the lobby" specifically refers to the area inside the building's entrance, whereas "near the entrance" could mean either inside or just outside the building.