sat at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sat at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean that someone is seated at a particular place. For example, "He sat at the end of the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Assistants sat at makeshift desks.

The New Yorker

He sat at his desk.

The New Yorker

They sat at the table.

The New Yorker

He sat at Harlan's table".

The New York Times

We sat at her kitchen table.

The Guardian - Tech

Zerai sat at an oak table.

The New Yorker

Three women sat at the entrance.

The New Yorker

We sat at her dining-room table.

The New Yorker

Vallejo sat at the other end.

The New York Times - Magazine

His wife sat at the bedside.

The New York Times

Gas masks sat at the ready.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sat at" to clearly indicate someone's physical location, especially in narratives or descriptive writing to provide a sense of place and action.

Common error

Avoid using "sat at" when the intention is merely to indicate presence without the physical act of sitting. For example, prefer "was present at" instead of "sat at the meeting" if the individual may have been standing or moving around.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sat at" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of assuming a seated position at a specific location. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "sat at" connects a subject to a place, denoting physical presence and posture. The phrase describes a state of being in a particular place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sat at" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of being seated in a particular place. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While it maintains a neutral register, it’s essential to ensure that its usage accurately reflects the physical act of sitting, differentiating it from mere presence. Related phrases like "was seated at" or "took a seat at" can offer subtle variations in meaning, but the core function remains consistent: defining someone’s location through their seated position.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was seated at

Uses a more formal verb to describe the act of sitting.

took a seat at

Emphasizes the action of assuming a seated position.

at the table

Shortened version, omitting the verb.

positioned at

Highlights the arrangement or placement of someone.

stationed oneself at

Implies a more deliberate or official positioning.

occupied a place at

Describes the act of taking up space at a location.

present at the table

Focuses on presence rather than the act of sitting.

located at

Indicates the general area where someone is.

knelt at

Describes being on knees at some point.

lounged at

Implies a relaxed or lazy posture.

FAQs

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

You can use "sat at" to describe someone being in a seated position at a specific location, like "He sat at the table" or "She sat at her desk".

What are some alternatives to "sat at"?

Some alternatives include "was seated at", "took a seat at", or "stationed oneself at", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "seated at" instead of "sat at"?

"Seated at" is generally used as part of a longer verb phrase (e.g., "He was seated at the table"), while "sat at" is a complete verb phrase. Both are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the sentence structure.

What's the difference between "sat at" and "stayed at"?

"Sat at" refers to the action of sitting in a specific location, while "stayed at" refers to residing or remaining in a place for a period of time. They describe different actions and contexts.