# arrive at

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/arrive-at
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

To reach a place at the end of a trip. You can also use it when you finally reach a decision or an answer after thinking.

For teachers: To reach a destination or a specific point in space or time; in its figurative sense, it describes reaching a conclusion or result after deliberation. It functions as an inseparable prepositional verb that requires a noun-phrase object.

## Examples

- We arrive at the train station just before the doors close.
- After discussing the budget for two hours, the team finally managed to arrive at a decision that everyone liked.
- After years of meticulous observation and data collection, the astronomers were finally able to arrive at a definitive explanation for the star's unusual flickering pattern.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We arrived to the station." but "We arrived at the station." — Learners often use 'to' to show movement, but 'arrive' must be followed by 'at' for specific locations or 'in' for cities and countries.

## Usage notes

- Use 'at' for specific locations like buildings and for abstract results like decisions or conclusions.
- Teaching tip: Contrast 'arrive at' with 'arrive in' for geographical locations and highlight that only 'at' works for reaching abstract decisions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.