Word
at
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
at
Past
atted
Past participle
atted
Definitions
01place or location
A1 · Beginner
prep. used to show a specific place or position.
prep. indicates a specific point in space, a location, or a position in the general vicinity of an object.
“We agreed to meet at the entrance of the cinema at seven o'clock.”
“The courier left the package at the front desk because the recipient was not available to sign for it.”
Usage
Often used for specific addresses or points, whereas 'in' is used for enclosed spaces or large areas like cities.
Pitfall
I am at the car.
I am in the car.
Use 'in' for the interior of a vehicle; use 'at' for a general location like 'at the station'.
02time
A1 · Beginner
prep. used to show a specific time of day.
prep. indicates a specific point or moment in time.
“The train leaves at noon, so we should arrive early.”
“The ceremony is scheduled to commence at precisely 10:30 AM to ensure all speakers have sufficient time.”
Usage
Commonly used with clock times, mealtimes, and specific holiday periods like 'at Christmas'.
Pitfall
I will see you at the morning.
I will see you in the morning.
Use 'at' for specific clock times (at 5:00) or 'at night', but use 'in' for parts of the day like 'in the morning'.
03direction or target
A2 · Elementary
prep. used to show who or what you are looking at or aiming for.
prep. indicates the target or direction of an action, often implying focus or hostility.
“Stop shouting at me; I can hear you perfectly fine.”
“The archer aimed at the center of the target, ignoring the distractions from the crowd.”
Usage
Commonly follows verbs of perception or communication like 'look', 'smile', 'shout', or 'throw'.
04rate or price
B1 · Intermediate
prep. used to show a price, speed, or level.
prep. indicates a specific value on a scale, such as cost, speed, or temperature.
“The car was traveling at 60 miles per hour on the highway.”
“The stock was trading at its highest price in five years before the market closed.”
Usage
Usually followed by a number and a unit of measurement.
05activity or state
B1 · Intermediate
prep. used to show what someone is doing or their current situation.
prep. indicates engagement in an activity or a particular state of being.
“The two countries have been at war for several years.”
“She is currently at work and cannot take personal phone calls until her break.”
Usage
Often used in fixed phrases like 'at work', 'at play', 'at peace', or 'at rest'.
06the @ symbol
A2 · Elementary Countable noun Computing
n. the name of the symbol @ used in email addresses.
n. the name of the typographical character @, primarily used in computing and email protocols.
“My email address is name at example dot com.”
“The developer noted that the script failed to parse the 'at' symbol correctly in the user input field.”
Synonyms
07to mention online
C1 · Advanced Computing Slang · Informal
v. to send a message to someone or mention them on social media.
v. to mention or address a user on a digital platform, typically by using their handle preceded by the @ symbol.
“Don't at me if you disagree with my opinion about the movie.”
“The celebrity requested that fans stop at-ing her in posts related to the recent controversy.”
Teaching tip
This is a very modern, internet-specific usage. It is often used in the phrase 'Don't @ me' to mean 'I don't want to argue about this'.
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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