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at
/æt/
indicating place or time
The meeting is at 3 PM.
The meeting occurs at a specific time (3 PM).
neutral
Used to indicate a specific point in space or time.
She is waiting at the bus stop.
She is located at a specific place (the bus stop).
He arrived at midnight.
The arrival occurred at a specific time (midnight).
The price starts at $10.
The minimum value is $10.
Often used with exact locations or times. Can imply a precise point or a general vicinity depending on context.
neutral
Used to indicate a state or condition.
She is good at math.
She has a skill in a specific area (math).
He is bad at cooking.
He lacks skill in a specific activity (cooking).
Commonly used with adjectives describing ability or skill.
neutral
Used to indicate a rate or price.
The car travels at 60 miles per hour.
The speed is 60 miles per hour.
The interest rate is at 5%.
The rate is 5%.
Indicates a specific measurement or value.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'at'
While 'at' is versatile, it is often misused in place of 'in' or 'on'. For example, 'in the morning' is correct, not 'at the morning'.
Gold Rule
Use 'at' for exact points
Use 'at' when referring to a precise location, time, or value. For example, 'at 5 PM' or 'at the corner'.
Word Origin
Old English 'æt', meaning 'near, by, or at'. Related to Old Norse 'at' and German 'zu'. The prepositional use emerged in Middle English.
Usage Notes
'At' is one of the most common prepositions in English. It is used to specify exact locations, times, rates, or conditions. Unlike 'in' or 'on', 'at' often implies a precise point rather than a general area or surface.
English Dictionary