present at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "present at" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that is present in a particular place or situation. For example, "The manager was present at the meeting to discuss the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Present at the recent event.

The New Yorker

Both meanings are never present at once.

The Economist

She was present at his funeral.

The New York Times

Pain is also present at times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr Sherman was present at the briefing.

Independent

"I have been present at stillbirths.

The Guardian

Had he been present at the execution?

The New Yorker

Mr Knuckles was present at its inception.

The Economist

Was present at the stabbing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

What? Present at..

The New York Times

Are we 'present at the destruction'?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "present at" to clearly indicate someone or something was at a specific location or event. For enhanced clarity, specify the role or purpose of their presence.

Common error

Avoid using "present at" when you want to convey active participation. Alternatives like "participating in" or "involved in" are more appropriate when highlighting active engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "present at" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate location or presence. It specifies where someone or something is located during a particular event or time, as confirmed by Ludwig AI and demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "present at" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate someone or something was at a specific location or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. While "present at" is generally suitable for neutral and professional communication, knowing when to use more formal alternatives like "in attendance at" or when to opt for more descriptive phrases like "participating in" will enhance your writing precision. With a strong presence in News & Media and Academic sources, understanding its nuances will undoubtedly refine your communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in attendance at

Emphasizes formal presence at an event or meeting.

attending

A concise way to indicate presence at an event.

on hand for

Suggests readiness and availability at a specific time or event.

appearing at

Suggests a formal or scheduled presence, often used for performers or speakers.

participating in

Highlights active involvement rather than just passive presence.

at the scene of

Specifies physical presence at a particular location, often related to an incident.

in the audience for

Indicates presence as a spectator or observer.

witnessing

Highlights observing an event as it unfolds.

there for

Informal way of saying someone was present to support or experience something.

involved in

Focuses on being part of an activity or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "present at" to indicate someone or something was in a specific location or event. For example, "The CEO was present at the annual meeting".

What can I say instead of "present at"?

You can use alternatives like "in attendance at", "on hand for", or "attending" depending on the context.

When is it incorrect to use "present at"?

Avoid using "present at" when you need to emphasize active involvement. In such cases, consider using phrases like "participating in" or "involved in".

Which is more formal, "present at" or "there"?

"Present at" is generally more formal than simply saying someone was "there". Use "present at" in professional or official communications.