at
preposition
UK/æt/US/æt/
used to indicate a location, position, time, state, or condition
Example Sentences
We’ll meet at the library tomorrow.
I left my keys at home.
She was waiting at the bus stop for half an hour.
They arrived at midnight.
He’s really good at solving puzzles quickly.
My friend works at a bank in the city.
At first, the new system seemed complicated, but eventually, everyone adapted and found it more efficient for completing daily tasks.
She stared in awe at the stunning view, watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon, as if the entire world paused to admire the moment.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Indicates a specific place, time, or target in a sentence or phraseThe preposition “at” is extremely versatile, commonly used to specify an exact location, a point in time, or an event you are attending. For instance, “Meet me at the library” tells someone exactly where to go. You can say, “Let’s meet at six” to pinpoint a meeting hour, or “I was at the concert” to show your presence there. In more abstract ways, “at” can highlight someone’s emotional or mental state, such as “He’s at peace now,” indicating a condition or mood. When forming statements, place “at” directly before the noun or phrase you’re emphasizing. Although “at” is short, it can drastically shift meaning if used incorrectly, so always confirm the context: is it a place, time, or condition? By carefully choosing where to position “at,” you’ll help listeners or readers pinpoint precisely what you mean, whether it’s a physical spot, an appointment, or a situational reference.
Alternatives
Depending on the intent, you can replace “at” with other prepositions or phrases. For location, try “in” or “on” if you’re referring to something more enclosed or on a surface, such as “in the house” or “on the table.” If you’re indicating proximity but not necessarily a point location, words like “near,” “by,” or “next to” may fit. For referencing time, “about,” “around,” or “approximately” can suggest a less precise moment (“Let’s meet around six”). However, if you need a broader sense than a specific time slot, phrases like “during the evening” or “over the weekend” might work better. Each substitution adjusts the nuance in terms of exactness, so choose carefully: “I’ll be at the school at 3 PM” is more specific than “I’ll be around the school this afternoon.” Varying your prepositions based on context keeps your language clear and engaging while capturing the right level of precision.
Writing
When writing, you’ll likely use “at” to pinpoint an exact location or time, which lends clarity to instructions, directions, and schedules. For instance, if you’re sending a professional email: “We will hold the meeting at 2 PM in Conference Room B.” This unambiguously states both the when and where of an event. If crafting narrative text, you might write, “They stood at the edge of the cliff, contemplating their next move,” conveying a vivid spatial detail. Watch out for repetition. Instead of constantly repeating “at,” alternate with “in,” “near,” or “within” if they’re contextually appropriate. If you’re indicating a range or approximation in formal writing, consider swapping in “around” or “approximately.” Maintain consistency with the correct usage of “at” when specificity matters, and your readers will find your text direct and intelligible without stumbling over ambiguous or vague references.
Casual Conversation
In everyday speech, “at” often shows up when giving directions or making plans: “I’ll be at Jake’s place later,” or “We’re meeting at the cafe in ten minutes.” If you’re informally setting a time, “Let’s meet at noon” is straightforward and easy to understand. You might also use it to explain where you are in a process: “I’m at a good stopping point, so let’s chat.” Occasionally, “at” slides into more relaxed expressions, such as “He’s at it again,” meaning someone is repeating a behavior. If you notice yourself overusing “at,” that’s not a big concern in casual conversation—people tend not to mind. Just be sure your listeners can follow the main point: a location, time, or condition. Keeping the conversation clear, rather than overly formal, is usually best when talking among friends or family. “At” helps you get right to the specifics without fuss, making day-to-day planning smoother and more direct.
Etymology
The preposition “at” has roots in Old English (“æt”), signifying “near,” “by,” or “toward.” Over centuries, Middle English speakers refined it into a concise marker for pinpointing a location or moment. This history reflects the enduring need to describe precise points in space and time, from ordering gatherings to indicating geography. As trade and travel expanded throughout Britain, quick references to position or schedules remained vital, further embedding “at” into common usage. Its adaptability allowed the word to latch onto broader contexts—like emotional states or conditions—without losing its core purpose: situating something exactly in time or place. Despite a steady flow of loanwords into English and ongoing linguistic evolution, “at” has held firm as a fundamental preposition, underscoring how crucial pinpoint accuracy is in all forms of communication.
