English Reference

Phrasal verb

arrive in

Definition

phrasal verb. To get to a large place like a city or a country. You use this phrase before the name of the place you are reaching.

phrasal verb. To reach a destination, used specifically for large geographical areas like cities, countries, or regions. This is a common prepositional verb construction.

Examples

“They arrive in Rome tomorrow evening.”

“When you finally arrive in a new country, the first thing you want is a long rest.”

“The shipment of medical supplies is scheduled to arrive in the affected region by Friday, bringing much-needed relief to the populace.”

Examples

simple

“They arrive in Rome tomorrow evening.”

contextual

“When you finally arrive in a new country, the first thing you want is a long rest.”

complex

“The shipment of medical supplies is scheduled to arrive in the affected region by Friday, bringing much-needed relief to the populace.”

Usage

Use 'arrive in' for cities and countries; use 'arrive at' for specific buildings like an airport or station.

Teaching tip

Drill the key collocations for 'arrive': we arrive 'in' a city/country, 'at' a building/station, and 'on' an island.

Pitfall

We will arrive at Paris.

We will arrive in Paris.

Use 'in' for large areas like cities and countries, not 'at'.

Confusables

arrive in vs arrive at

Arrive in is for large geographical areas like cities and countries, while arrive at is for specific buildings or points.

RememberIn for the map, at for the spot.

Phrasal verb

Particles

in

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

arrive + in + object

Synonyms

Antonyms

leavedepart from

Grammar

This entry

Level
A1 · Beginner
Updated

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