to be present at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be present at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to attending an event, meeting, or gathering. Example: "I am excited to be present at the conference next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Carrie bounded downstairs, to be present at the happy greetings.

The New Yorker

He does have to be present at the trial.

The New Yorker

You really have to be present at a flight to appreciate its musicality.

The Guardian - Music

His family had caught up with him to be present at his deathbed.

The Guardian - Books

And the union has the right to be present at any meeting between Rodriguez and investigators.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not given to every writer to be present at the collapse of civilization.

The New Yorker

You seem to be present at the birth of music itself.

The New Yorker

The Pres. will not be able to be present at some important foreign policy meetings.

The New Yorker

About 25 states allow or require doctors to be present at executions.

The New York Times

To be present at that first meeting between Margaret and Gorbachev was an extraordinary experience.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Those require everyone to be "present" at the same time, but not necessarily the same place.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more concise alternatives like "to attend" if the context allows, especially in less formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to be present at" in overly passive constructions. For example, instead of "The decision needs to be present at the meeting", consider "The decision-maker needs to attend the meeting" for a more direct and active voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be present at" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. It describes the action of attending or being at a particular place or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be present at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote attendance or existence at a specific event or location, as corroborated by Ludwig AI. It is versatile enough for use in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academia and science. While alternatives like "to attend" offer conciseness, "to be present at" emphasizes the state of being there. Remember to avoid overuse in passive constructions for clearer, more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to attend

A more concise and direct way of expressing presence at an event.

to be in attendance at

A slightly more formal way of saying "to be present at".

to participate in

Emphasizes active involvement rather than just being there.

to be on hand for

Suggests being available and ready to assist or observe.

to show up at

A less formal way of indicating arrival and presence.

to be there for

General expression indicating support or witnessing an event.

to witness

Focuses on observing an event, implying presence.

to exist at

Emphasizes the presence of something in a specific location.

to occupy

Suggests physical presence or inhabitance of a space.

to be situated at

Highlights the location or placement of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be present at" to describe attending an event, like in the sentence, "I am honored "to be present at" the ceremony." It can also indicate something existing in a location.

What are some alternatives to "to be present at"?

Some alternatives include "to attend", "to be in attendance at", or simply "to participate in", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "to be present at" or "to attend"?

"To be present at" can be slightly more formal than "to attend", but the difference is subtle. The choice depends on the overall tone and context of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "to be present at" instead of other similar phrases?

Use "to be present at" when you want to emphasize the act of being in a specific location or at an event. If the emphasis is on active involvement, consider "to participate in".