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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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system at an

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "system at an" is not correct and does not form a complete or usable expression in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a specific system in a particular context, but it lacks clarity and completeness. Example: "The system at an advanced stage of development is ready for testing."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A high-mobility electronic system at an electrolyte-gated oxide surface.

This report describes the successful implementation of a standardized team-based paging system at an academic center.

The sensor was used in a flow injection system at an applied potential of −50 mV vs Ag/AgCl.

This article presents a model of dynamic management of the check-in desk system at an airport.

The model of dynamic management of the check-in desk system at an airport was implemented in Flexsim software.

Molasses (53% C) was added daily into the biofloc system at an estimated C/N ratio of 10.

Within seconds of his typing a message on the standard keyboard, his words flashed on the monitor of a matching system at an adjoining desk.

News & Media

The New York Times

We should rightly ask whether we might be able to make changes to the system at an affordable cost that could prevent such an event occurring again.

News & Media

The Guardian

Verizon rejected cheaper alternatives and decided to build the fiber system at an estimated cost of about $4,000 for every customer.

SEM images are captured using an XL30SFEG (Philips) SEM connected to an EDXS system at an acceleration voltage of 20 kV.

Science & Research

Nature

It resides in the far corner of the solar system at an average of about 4 billion miles from the sun.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "system", ensure you use proper articles (like 'the') or prepositions ('in', 'within') to maintain grammatical accuracy. For example, use "system in a place" or "system at the location" instead of "system at an".

Common error

A common mistake is using "an" before a noun that doesn't start with a vowel sound. Even though 'system' starts with 's', writers may incorrectly use "an" due to confusion or oversight. Always verify article usage based on phonetics, not just spelling.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "system at an" functions as part of a longer noun phrase, attempting to describe the location or state of a system. However, it's grammatically flawed. Ludwig AI explains that this phrase does not follow standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "system at an" appears frequently across diverse sources, including science, news, and academia, but it is grammatically incorrect according to Ludwig AI. The correct usage would involve phrases like "system at the" or "system in a", depending on the intended context. Despite its prevalence, especially in Science and News & Media, it's advisable to avoid "system at an" and opt for grammatically sound alternatives to maintain clarity and credibility in writing. Using the proper article ensures that your message is accurately conveyed and well-received.

FAQs

How should I correctly use "system" with a preposition?

Instead of "system at an", consider using "system at the" for a specific location or condition, or "system in a" for a general context. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "system at an"?

Grammatically correct alternatives include phrases like "system within a", "the system at", or "a system in". The best choice depends on the sentence's specific meaning.

Why is "system at an" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "system at an" is incorrect because 'an' is typically used before vowel sounds. Since "system" starts with a consonant sound, the correct article is 'a' or 'the', depending on the context. You should use "system in a" or "system at the" instead.

In what contexts might I encounter the phrase "system at an", and why should I avoid it?

While you might find "system at an" in various sources, its usage is grammatically flawed. Strive for accuracy by using phrases such as "system at the" for specific references or "system in a" for more general contexts. Prioritize correct grammar to maintain credibility.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: