at

"At" is one of the most common prepositions in English. It has several important uses — mainly to talk about location, time, and direction. Here are the most useful ones.

1prepositionspecific location

Use 'at' to point to a specific place or spot — think of it like putting a pin on a map. It is more precise than 'in' (which suggests being inside a larger area). You use 'at' for addresses, buildings, and exact spots.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She is waiting at the bus stop.

We met at the corner of the street.

He works at the hospital on Fifth Avenue.

2prepositionspecific time

Use 'at' to talk about a precise moment or time on the clock. Think of it as pointing to an exact tick on a clock. You use 'at' for clock times and certain fixed expressions like 'at night' or 'at noon'.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The meeting starts at 9 o'clock.

I always feel tired at midnight.

The store closes at 8 p.m.

3prepositiondirection or target

When something is aimed or pointed toward a person or thing, you use 'at'. Imagine throwing a ball — you throw it AT something. This works with actions like looking, shouting, pointing, or throwing.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The dog barked at the stranger.

She threw the ball at the wall.

Everyone looked at him when he walked in.

4prepositionstate or condition

You can use 'at' to describe what state or situation someone or something is in at a given moment. It often appears in fixed phrases like 'at war', 'at peace', 'at risk', or 'at work'.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The two countries were at war for many years.

You are at risk if you don't wear a seatbelt.

She is at her best in the morning.

5prepositionskill or ability

When you want to say how good or bad someone is at doing something, you use 'at'. It connects the person to the activity they are being judged on.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

He is very good at playing chess.

I am terrible at remembering names.

She is surprisingly fast at solving math problems.

6prepositionemail and social media symbol (@)

In modern digital life, 'at' is also the name of the symbol '@'. You use it in email addresses to separate the username from the domain, and on social media to mention or tag someone.

technology, internet · Modern, widely used

You can reach me at john@example.com.

Tag me at @johnsmith on Instagram.

Send your application to the address listed at the top of the email.