at
- 01 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.
Simple“We agreed to meet at the entrance of the cinema at seven o'clock.”
In context“The courier left the package at the front desk because the recipient was not available to sign for it.”
UsageOften used for specific addresses or points, whereas 'in' is used for enclosed spaces or large areas like cities.
PitfallI 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'.
- 02 A1 Beginner
prep.used to show a specific time of day.
prep.indicates a specific point or moment in time.
Simple“The train leaves at noon, so we should arrive early.”
In context“The ceremony is scheduled to commence at precisely 10:30 AM to ensure all speakers have sufficient time.”
UsageCommonly used with clock times, mealtimes, and specific holiday periods like 'at Christmas'.
PitfallI 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'.
- 03 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.
Simple“Stop shouting at me; I can hear you perfectly fine.”
In context“The archer aimed at the center of the target, ignoring the distractions from the crowd.”
UsageCommonly follows verbs of perception or communication like 'look', 'smile', 'shout', or 'throw'.
- 04 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.
Simple“The car was traveling at 60 miles per hour on the highway.”
In context“The stock was trading at its highest price in five years before the market closed.”
UsageUsually followed by a number and a unit of measurement.
- 05 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.
Simple“The two countries have been at war for several years.”
In context“She is currently at work and cannot take personal phone calls until her break.”
UsageOften used in fixed phrases like 'at work', 'at play', 'at peace', or 'at rest'.
- 06 A2 Elementary
n.the name of the symbol @ used in email addresses.
n.the name of the typographical character @, primarily used in computing and email protocols.
Simple“My email address is name at example dot com.”
In context“The developer noted that the script failed to parse the 'at' symbol correctly in the user input field.”
Synonymsat sign - 07 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“Don't at me if you disagree with my opinion about the movie.”
In context“The celebrity requested that fans stop at-ing her in posts related to the recent controversy.”
Teacher's tipThis 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'.