Mastering the Tricky Prepositions in English: Part 4 – At (Basic)

Prepositions in English Part 4

When to use “at”

Much like “in” and “on” the use of “at” can also be tricky at times.

 

“At” like “in” and “on” is used to show where something is. “At” usually means that something is very close to something else.

Example 1: I will meet you at the door.

In this example, someone is very close to something else (the door).

 

1.       “At” is most commonly used to show where something is (very close to something else), like in the example above.

 

Example 2: I saw a seagull at the beach today.

The seagull is very close to the beach. He doesn’t necessarily have to be on the sand, but he can be.

 

2.       “At” can also be used to show that you are part of an event, like a party or a meeting.

 

Example 3: I saw Dave at the party last night.

In this example, we know that someone (Dave) was part of an event (the party).

 

3.       “At” can also be used to show when something happens.

 

Example 4: I have a meeting at 9 tomorrow morning.

In this example, “at” is used to show when something happens (at 9).

 

Example 5: I will meet you at the beach at noon.

In this example, we see the word “at” being used twice, but for two different reasons. Firstly, it shows where (the beach), then it shows when (noon).

 

4.       “At” can also show which way something is going.

 

Example 6: He threw the ball at the wall.

In this example, “at” is used to show in which direction something is moving. The ball is moving towards the wall.

 

Example 7: She smiled at John.

In this example “at” is not an object that moves, but an action. The action of smiling is directed at a person (John).

 

5.       At can also be used to measure things, like how fast something is going or how much something costs.

 

Example 8: The man got a speeding ticket for driving at 200 kilometers per hour.

In this example, “at” is used to show how fast the man was going.

 

Example 9: The woman sells apples at R100 a kilogram.

In this example, we use “at” to show how much the apples cost.

 

Example 10: The oven is set at 180°C.

In this example, the word “at” is used to show how hot something is.

 

6.       “At” can be used to show the condition of someone or something.

 

Example 11: The village is at peace.

The village is experiencing peace.

 

Example 12: Peter is at risk of losing his job.

Peter might lose his job. Because of this, we say he is at risk—he is in a risky situation.

 

Example 13: Anna was at her best during this chess match.

Anna did much better in this chess match than she did in any of her previous matches. That is why we say she was at her best.

 

Fixed phrases that use at

English has a few fixed phrases that use the word “at.”

 

1.       at least (no less than this)

 

Example 1: You need at least R10 to buy ice cream.

If you have less than R10 and, you won’t be able to buy an ice cream.

 

2.       at once (right now)

 

Example 2: We need to go to the doctor at once.

We have to go to the doctor right now. It is an emergency.

 

3.       at first (at the start)

 

Example 3: At first, people hunted with bows and arrows, but now we use guns.

At the start, people used bows and arrows and later they moved on to something else (guns).

 

4.       at last (finally)

 

Example 4: At last, I got my exam results.

I am relieved because my exam results took a long time to arrive.

 

5.       at the moment (right now)

 

Example 5: I don’t have time to play at the moment.

I don’t have time to pay right now. I might have time later.

Click the following link to go to the next lesson:      

Mastering the Tricky Prepositions in English: Part 5 – At (Advanced)

Get in touch

If you’ve enjoyed this tutorial or found it useful, please consider leaving a comment below!

Your feedback means a lot to me. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how I can improve my tutorials, I’d love to hear them. I’m always working to make them better for you!

Interested in private language lessons?

I offer personalized lessons tailored to your needs. Feel free to get in touch anytime!

📧 Email: ditismyemail@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: 082 304 049

© 2025 Owl's Language Academy. You’re welcome to share or adapt this for non-commercial use, as long as you give credit. Please don’t sell it or claim it as your own.