At presents a place as a point you've come to for a reason, while in presents it as a space with borders that you're inside. At the station, at work, at a party: what matters is that you're there and why. In the kitchen, in Paris, in Spain: what matters is that you're inside the room, the city or the country.
in or at — can you pick the right one?
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at + point or event: at the station, at work, at a party, at 25 Baker Street; in + space with borders: in the kitchen, in Paris, in Spain; arrive at + building/station/airport; arrive in + city/country
- I'll wait for you at the bus stop, so text me when you're close.
- She spent three years working in Berlin before she moved back home.
- We were at a concert last night, so I didn't see your message.
What changed
First versionWe arrived to London late at night and took a taxi to the hotel.
RevisionWe arrived in London late at night and took a taxi to the hotel.
Arrive describes movement, so to can seem logical, but arrive isn't followed by to. A city or a country is a space, so arrive in London, in Spain. A building, a station or an airport is a point on your route: arrive at the station. Only the preposition was changed.
The same place can be a point or a space. I'm at the airport means I've come for a flight and may still be in the car park. I'm in the airport means I'm already inside the building, in the terminal. In the same way, at the cinema means you've come to see a film, while It's cold in the cinema is about the hall itself.
Your turn
My sister lives ___ Canada, not far from Toronto.
Show the answer
in — Canada is a country, an area people live inside, so in Canada. At isn't used with countries: a country isn't a point on a route.
Write where you've arranged to meet a friend on a trip. Name the city and the exact meeting place.
When I'm in Kazan next week, we're meeting at the café next to the cathedral.
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