Representing when, where, how and why
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Representing where | page 3 of 8 |
Using prepositional phrases: at
At is used to refer to general location rather than the exact place where something is located:
The two delegations will hold a meeting at the hotel. (SCMP 25/5/94)
In this example, at the hotel refers to the hotel as a general location, ie as a point on a map or on a route. Here are some further examples of at used to indicate place:
He was intercepted at the airport in New York. (SCMP 31/7/92)
They were standing at the door with tickets. (Bank of English)
He went at around 9 pm and signed in at the entrance. (SCMP 8/8/92)
I don't think I'll eat at home. (Bank of English)
They don't want to stay at school. (Bank of English)
At is frequently used before words describing place, eg front, back, top and bottom:
I sat in the best seats at the front. (SCMP 27/4/94)
I stand at the back and listen. (Bank of English)
There was a big house at the top of the hill. (Bank of English)
A telephone number is printed at the bottom of the leaflet.
(SCMP 12/11/92)
At is also used to refer to institutions:
The court heard that the guns were ordered through magazines and would be picked up at the post office here. (SCMP 18/9/92)
My son is doing a 4-year course at Aston University in environmental health. (Bank of English)
Introduction
Using prepositional phrases: at
