Mastering the Preposition “At”: Comprehensive Examples & Usage

The preposition “at” is a fundamental component of English grammar, used to denote specific locations, times, and states. A solid understanding of “at” is crucial for constructing clear and accurate sentences.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the preposition “at,” covering its diverse uses, structural patterns, and common pitfalls. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice needed to master the use of “at” in your everyday communication.

This resource will be especially beneficial for English language learners preparing for exams, students aiming to improve their writing skills, and professionals seeking to refine their communication.

This article will explore different ways to use the preposition “at,” from indicating precise locations to describing activities and states. It includes numerous examples, tables, and practice exercises to solidify your understanding.

By the end of this article, you will be able to confidently and accurately use “at” in a variety of contexts, enhancing your overall fluency and grammatical precision.

Table of Contents

1. Definition of the Preposition “At”
2. Structural Breakdown of Sentences with “At”
3. Types and Categories of “At” Usage
   • “At” for Location
   • “At” for Time
   • “At” for Activities
   • “At” for States or Conditions
   • “At” for Direction or Target
4. Examples of Sentences Using “At”
   • “At” for Location Examples
   • “At” for Time Examples
   • “At” for Activity Examples
   • “At” for State or Condition Examples
   • “At” for Direction or Target Examples
5. Usage Rules for the Preposition “At”
6. Common Mistakes with “At”
7. Practice Exercises
8. Advanced Topics
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
10. Conclusion

Definition of the Preposition “At”

The preposition “at” is a versatile word in the English language, primarily used to indicate a specific point in space or time. It connects a noun or pronoun to other words in the sentence, providing information about location, time, activity, state, or direction.

Understanding the nuances of “at” is essential for constructing grammatically correct and meaningful sentences.

Classification: “At” belongs to the class of prepositions, words that typically precede a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition) to form a prepositional phrase. This phrase then modifies another word in the sentence, adding detail and context.

Function: The primary function of “at” is to specify a precise location or time. However, its function extends beyond these basic uses. It can also indicate involvement in an activity, a particular state or condition, or the direction of an action. The specific function of “at” is determined by the context in which it is used.

Contexts: “At” is used in a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversations to formal writing. It appears in descriptions of places (at the park), schedules (at 3 PM), actions (at work), and conditions (at ease). Its adaptability makes it a crucial component of English grammar.

Structural Breakdown of Sentences with “At”

Sentences using the preposition “at” typically follow a basic structural pattern. Understanding this pattern can help you construct grammatically correct sentences and identify the role of “at” within the sentence.

The basic structure is as follows: Subject + Verb + “at” + Object of the Preposition. The “object of the preposition” is usually a noun or pronoun. For instance, in the sentence “She is at home,” “She” is the subject, “is” is the verb, “at” is the preposition, and “home” is the object of the preposition.

The prepositional phrase (“at home” in the example above) functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb “is” by providing information about the location of the subject. This structure can be expanded to include more complex elements, such as adjectives modifying the object of the preposition or adverbs modifying the verb.

Here’s a breakdown of the structural elements:

• Subject: The person, place, or thing performing the action or being described.
• Verb: The action or state of being.
• “At”: The preposition connecting the verb to the object of the preposition.
• Object of the Preposition: The noun or pronoun that “at” relates to the subject and verb (e.g., location, time, activity).

Consider these examples:

• They met at the conference.
• The concert starts at 8 PM.
• He is skilled at playing the piano.
• She felt at peace.

Types and Categories of “At” Usage

The preposition “at” is used in various contexts to express different relationships between elements in a sentence. Here are the main categories of its usage:

“At” for Location

One of the most common uses of “at” is to indicate a specific location or point. This could be a physical place, an address, or a general area.

“At” implies a more precise or confined location compared to prepositions like “in” or “on.”

Examples:

• I am at the library.
• The meeting is at 123 Main Street.
• She works at a local school.

“At” for Time

“At” is also used to specify a particular point in time, such as a specific hour, a moment, or a specific event. It is used for precise times rather than durations.

Examples:

• The movie starts at 7 PM.
• I woke up at dawn.
• He arrived at the last minute.

“At” for Activities

“At” can indicate involvement or participation in a specific activity or event. In this context, it often precedes a gerund (a verb ending in “-ing” used as a noun) or a noun phrase describing the activity.

Examples:

• She is good at playing tennis.
• He excels at problem-solving.
• They are participating at a workshop.

“At” for States or Conditions

“At” can be used to describe a particular state, condition, or emotional state. It often appears in idioms and fixed expressions.

Examples:

• She felt at ease.
• They were at war.
• He is at risk.

“At” for Direction or Target

“At” can also indicate the direction of an action or the target of an emotion or behavior. It suggests aiming towards something or someone.

Examples:

• He threw the ball at the wall.
• She smiled at him.
• The dog barked at the stranger.

Examples of Sentences Using “At”

To further illustrate the different uses of “at,” here are extensive examples organized by category:

“At” for Location Examples

The following table provides a variety of examples illustrating the use of “at” to specify locations. Notice how “at” is used to pinpoint a specific spot or address.

Example Sentence	Explanation
I am currently at the office.	Specifies the speaker’s current location.
The package was delivered at my doorstep.	Indicates the precise delivery location.
We met at the coffee shop on the corner.	Identifies a specific meeting place.
She lives at 221B Baker Street.	Provides a specific address.
The accident happened at the intersection of Main and Oak.	Pinpoints the exact location of the accident.
He waited at the bus stop for an hour.	Indicates where he was waiting.
The concert was held at the stadium.	Specifies the venue of the concert.
She works at a local hospital.	Indicates the place of her employment.
They studied at the university together.	Specifies the institution where they studied.
We had dinner at a fancy restaurant downtown.	Indicates the location of the dinner.
The children played at the park all afternoon.	Specifies where the children were playing.
The meeting will be held at the conference center.	Indicates the location of the meeting.
She is waiting at the airport for her flight.	Specifies where she is waiting.
They are staying at a hotel near the beach.	Indicates the type and location of their accommodation.
He found a seat at the back of the theater.	Specifies his seat’s location within the theater.
The painting is displayed at the museum.	Indicates where the painting is exhibited.
She is currently at a business meeting.	Specifies her current activity and location.
They gathered at the town square for the celebration.	Indicates the gathering place.
He parked his car at the parking lot.	Specifies where he parked his car.
She left her keys at the front desk.	Indicates where she left her keys.
The birds built their nest at the top of the tree.	Specifies the location of the nest.
He is standing at the edge of the cliff.	Indicates his position relative to the cliff.
She is sitting at her desk, working on her computer.	Specifies her location and activity.
They arrived at the destination after a long journey.	Indicates the end point of their journey.
He is waiting at the entrance of the building.	Specifies where he is waiting.
The performance will be held at the auditorium.	Indicates the venue for the performance.

“At” for Time Examples

This table shows how “at” is used to specify precise points in time. Note the difference between “at” and other prepositions like “in” or “during” when referring to time.

Example Sentence	Explanation
The meeting starts at 9 AM.	Specifies the exact starting time.
I usually wake up at 6:30 in the morning.	Indicates the specific time of waking up.
The sun sets at around 6 PM in the winter.	Specifies the approximate time of sunset.
He arrived at the last minute.	Indicates a specific point in time close to a deadline.
She always feels more energetic at night.	Refers to a specific time of day.
They eat dinner at 7 PM every evening.	Specifies the usual dinner time.
The store closes at 10 PM on weekdays.	Indicates the closing time.
I will call you back at lunchtime.	Refers to a specific time during the day.
He finished the project at the deadline.	Indicates the specific time of completion.
She goes to bed at 11 PM on school nights.	Specifies her bedtime.
The concert begins at 8 o’clock.	Indicates the exact starting time of the concert.
He always drinks coffee at breakfast.	Refers to a specific mealtime.
She will be available at noon for the interview.	Specifies the exact time for the interview.
They celebrate their anniversary at the end of the year.	Refers to a specific time of year.
He usually takes a break at mid-morning.	Indicates a specific time during the morning.
She studies best at dawn when it is quiet.	Refers to a specific time of day known for its quietness.
They plan to leave at sunrise.	Indicates the specific time of departure.
He always feels sleepy at midnight.	Refers to a specific time of night.
She will meet you at the appointed hour.	Indicates a prearranged meeting time.
They start their work at the crack of dawn.	Refers to a very early time in the morning.
He is always at his best in the evening.	Refers to a period when he performs optimally.
She will be there at the stroke of midnight.	Indicates the precise moment of midnight.
They arrived at the scheduled time.	Refers to a planned arrival time.
He usually checks his email at regular intervals throughout the day.	Indicates the timing of his email checks.
She takes her medication at the same time every day.	Refers to a consistent time for medication.

“At” for Activity Examples

The following table illustrates the use of “at” to indicate proficiency or involvement in particular activities. Notice that “at” is often followed by a gerund (-ing form of a verb) when describing skills or activities.

Example Sentence	Explanation
She is very good at playing the piano.	Indicates her skill in playing the piano.
He excels at problem-solving.	Indicates his proficiency in solving problems.
They are participating at a conference on climate change.	Indicates their involvement in a specific event.
She is skilled at public speaking.	Indicates her ability in public speaking.
He is adept at handling difficult situations.	Indicates his skill in managing challenging situations.
She is terrible at keeping secrets.	Indicates her lack of ability in keeping secrets.
He is proficient at coding in multiple languages.	Indicates his expertise in coding.
They are experienced at managing large projects.	Indicates their experience in project management.
She is talented at painting landscapes.	Indicates her artistic talent.
He is quick at learning new languages.	Indicates his aptitude for language acquisition.
She is remarkable at remembering names.	Indicates her excellent memory for names.
He is efficient at organizing data.	Indicates his efficiency in data organization.
They are involved at a community project.	Indicates their participation in a community initiative.
She is brilliant at analyzing complex issues.	Indicates her analytical skills.
He is creative at designing innovative solutions.	Indicates his creativity in finding solutions.
She is focused at completing her tasks on time.	Indicates her dedication to finishing tasks promptly.
He is passionate at promoting environmental awareness.	Indicates his enthusiasm for environmental advocacy.
They are dedicated at providing excellent customer service.	Indicates their commitment to customer satisfaction.
She is persistent at achieving her goals.	Indicates her determination to reach her objectives.
He is resourceful at finding creative solutions to problems.	Indicates his ability to find solutions using available resources.
She is excellent at multitasking.	Indicates her ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
He is skilled at negotiation.	Indicates his proficiency in negotiation.
They are committed at improving their skills.	Indicates their dedication to self-improvement.
She is enthusiastic at learning new things.	Indicates her eagerness to acquire new knowledge.
He is diligent at following instructions.	Indicates his attentiveness to directions.

“At” for State or Condition Examples

This table demonstrates how “at” is used to describe states, conditions, or emotional states. These are often idiomatic expressions.

Example Sentence	Explanation
She felt completely at ease during the interview.	Indicates her state of relaxation.
The country was at war for several years.	Indicates the state of conflict.
He is currently at risk of losing his job.	Indicates his vulnerable condition.
They were at peace after the negotiations.	Indicates their state of tranquility.
She is at a loss for words.	Indicates her inability to express herself.
He is at liberty to make his own decisions.	Indicates his freedom to choose.
They were at odds with each other over the agreement.	Indicates their state of disagreement.
She is at her wit’s end trying to solve the problem.	Indicates her state of desperation.
He is at the top of his game.	Indicates his peak performance.
They are at loggerheads with each other.	Indicates their state of conflict.
She is at an advantage due to her experience.	Indicates her advantageous position.
He is at a disadvantage because of his lack of training.	Indicates his unfavorable position.
They are at a standstill in the negotiations.	Indicates a state of no progress.
She is at the forefront of the movement.	Indicates her leading position.
He is at the mercy of the weather conditions.	Indicates his dependence on external factors.
She is at the helm of the company.	Indicates her leadership role.
He is at the crossroads of his career.	Indicates a critical decision point.
They are at each other’s throats.	Indicates a state of intense conflict.
She is at one with nature.	Indicates her harmonious relationship with nature.
He is at odds with his family.	Indicates his disagreement with his family.
She is at a premium in the job market.	Indicates her high value in the job market.
He is at a loss regarding the situation.	Indicates his confusion about the situation.
They are at risk of failing.	Indicates their potential for failure.
She is at her best when she is challenged.	Indicates when she performs optimally.
He is at the peak of his career.	Indicates the highest point of his career.

“At” for Direction or Target Examples

This table provides examples of “at” used to indicate the direction of an action or the target of an emotion. Notice how “at” shows where the action is directed.

Example Sentence	Explanation
He threw the ball at the wall.	Indicates the target of the thrown ball.
She smiled at him.	Indicates the recipient of her smile.
The dog barked at the stranger.	Indicates who the dog was barking at.
He pointed at the map to show the route.	Indicates what he was pointing towards.
She aimed the camera at the bird in the tree.	Indicates the target of the camera.
He shouted at the top of his lungs.	Indicates the manner in which he shouted.
She gestured at the painting to draw attention to it.	Indicates what she was gesturing towards.
He frowned at the mistake on the report.	Indicates what he was frowning about.
She waved at the departing train.	Indicates what she was waving towards.
He glanced at his watch to check the time.	Indicates what he was looking at.
She stared at the beautiful sunset.	Indicates what she was gazing at.
He nodded at her in agreement.	Indicates who he was nodding to.
She winked at him playfully.	Indicates who she was winking at.
He glared at the person who cut him off in traffic.	Indicates who he was glaring at.
She listened attentively at the speaker.	Indicates who she was listening to.
He peeked at the surprise gift.	Indicates what he was peeking at.
She peeked at the answers on the test.	Indicates the target of her cheating.
He yelled at the umpire in frustration.	Indicates who he was yelling at.
She looked at the mirror to check her appearance.	Indicates what she was looking at.
He blinked at the bright light.	Indicates what caused him to blink.
She smirked at his joke.	Indicates her reaction to his joke.
He sneered at her suggestion.	Indicates his scornful reaction.
She scoffed at his explanation.	Indicates her dismissive reaction.
He frowned at the difficult math problem.	Indicates his reaction to the problem.
She gestured at the map to point out the location.	Indicates what she was gesturing towards.

Usage Rules for the Preposition “At”

Using “at” correctly involves understanding specific rules and nuances. While “at” often indicates precision, there are exceptions and specific contexts to consider.

• Specific Locations: Use “at” to indicate a precise location or address (e.g., at the corner, at 10 Downing Street).
• Specific Times: Use “at” to indicate a specific time (e.g., at 3 PM, at midnight).
• Activities and Events: Use “at” to indicate participation or involvement in an activity or event (e.g., at a party, at work).
• States and Conditions: Use “at” in fixed expressions to describe a state or condition (e.g., at ease, at war).
• Direction and Target: Use “at” to indicate the direction or target of an action or emotion (e.g., throw at, look at).

Exceptions and Special Cases:

• “At home” vs. “In the house”: “At home” refers to the general location of being home, while “in the house” refers to being inside the physical structure.
• “At school” vs. “In the school”: “At school” refers to attending school or being a student, while “in the school” refers to being physically inside the school building.
• “At the weekend” (British English) vs. “On the weekend” (American English): Both are correct, but usage varies by region.

Common Collocations: Understanding common collocations with “at” can improve fluency. Examples include: at first, at least, at last, at present, at any rate.

Common Mistakes with “At”

Several common mistakes occur when using the preposition “at.” Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them and improve your accuracy.

Incorrect vs. Correct Examples:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
I am in the office.	I am at the office.	“At” indicates a specific location better than “in” in this context.
See you on 6 PM.	See you at 6 PM.	“At” is used for specific times.
She is good in playing tennis.	She is good at playing tennis.	“At” is the correct preposition to indicate skill in an activity.
He is on ease.	He is at ease.	“At ease” is the correct idiomatic expression.
They threw the ball to the wall.	They threw the ball at the wall.	“At” indicates the target of the throw.
I will meet you in the airport.	I will meet you at the airport.	“At” is used for specific locations like airports.
The party starts on 8 PM.	The party starts at 8 PM.	“At” is used for specific times.
She is talented on painting.	She is talented at painting.	“At” is used to indicate talent in an activity.
He is in risk.	He is at risk.	“At risk” is the correct idiomatic expression.
They looked to the sky.	They looked at the sky.	“At” is used with “look” to indicate direction.

Overgeneralization: Avoid using “at” when other prepositions like “in,” “on,” or “to” are more appropriate. Consider the specific context and meaning you want to convey.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of the preposition “at” with these practice exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition (“at,” “in,” “on,” or “to”).

Question	Answer
1. I will meet you ____ the library.	at
2. The concert starts ____ 7 PM.	at
3. She is good ____ playing the guitar.	at
4. They are ____ war with each other.	at
5. He threw the ball ____ the target.	at
6. She lives ____ 123 Main Street.	at
7. I saw him ____ the bus stop.	at
8. We always have dinner ____ 8 PM.	at
9. He is skilled ____ solving complex problems.	at
10. The cat is ____ ease on the sofa.	at

Exercise 2: Error Correction

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

Incorrect Sentence	Correct Sentence
1. I am in home.	I am at home.
2. She is talented on singing.	She is talented at singing.
3. The meeting is on 3 PM.	The meeting is at 3 PM.
4. He is in ease with the situation.	He is at ease with the situation.
5. They threw stones to the birds.	They threw stones at the birds.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, exploring nuanced uses and idiomatic expressions with “at” can further refine your understanding.

• “At” in Idiomatic Expressions: Many English idioms use “at” to convey specific meanings. Examples include: at a crossroads, at a standstill, at the end of one’s rope, and at sixes and sevens. Understanding these expressions requires learning their specific meanings, as they are not always literal.
• “At” with Abstract Nouns: “At” can be used with abstract nouns to describe a state or condition. For instance, “at peace,” “at war,” and “at risk” describe emotional, political, and physical states, respectively. Recognizing and using these combinations correctly enhances the sophistication of your language.
• Regional Variations: While the core uses of “at” are consistent across English-speaking regions, some variations exist. For example, the use of “at the weekend” is more common in British English, while “on the weekend” is preferred in American English. Being aware of these differences helps avoid confusion and ensures clear communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about using the preposition “at.”

When should I use “at” versus “in” for locations?

Use “at” for specific points or addresses (e.g., “at the corner,” “at 123 Main Street”) and “in” for enclosed spaces or general areas (e.g., “in the park,” “in the city”). “At” implies a more precise location than “in.”

Is it correct to say “at the weekend” or “on the weekend”?

“At the weekend” is more common in British English, while “on the weekend” is preferred in American English. Both are generally accepted, but regional preference matters.

Can “at” be used with gerunds (verbs ending in “-ing”)?

Yes, “at” is often used with gerunds to indicate skill or involvement in an activity (e.g., “She is good at playing tennis,” “He excels at problem-solving”).

How can I improve my understanding of idiomatic expressions with “at”?

Read widely and pay attention to how native speakers use “at” in different contexts. Keep a vocabulary notebook to record new idioms and their meanings.

Practice using them in your own sentences.

Are there any common mistakes to watch out for when using “at”?

Yes, common mistakes include using “in” instead of “at” for specific locations (e.g., “I am in the office” instead of “I am at the office”) and using incorrect prepositions in idiomatic expressions (e.g., “He is on ease” instead of “He is at ease”).

Conclusion

Mastering the preposition “at” is essential for clear and accurate communication in English. This comprehensive guide has covered the definition, structural patterns, various uses, usage rules, and common mistakes associated with “at.” By understanding these aspects and practicing regularly, you can confidently and effectively use “at” in a wide range of contexts.

Continue to explore and practice using “at” in your everyday conversations and writing. Pay attention to how native speakers use it and don’t hesitate to ask questions when you’re unsure.

With consistent effort, you’ll master the nuances of “at” and enhance your overall fluency and grammatical precision in English.