Stand "In" the back or "at" the back?

[chibe_k]

Hi Teacher,

What is the correct preposition to use with the word "back"? For example,

1. Stand "in" the back...
2. Stand "at" the back...
3. Stand "in" the front...
4. Stand "at" the front...
5. Stand "at" the side...
6. Stand "on" the side...

Which sentenses are the correct ones? I am confused with the usage. Thanks in advanced

[mykwyner]

These differences are mostly differences in regional dialects and conventions of usage. All of them are correct English grammar.

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by chibe_k

Hi Teacher,
What is the correct preposition to use with the word "back"? For example,
1. Stand "in" the back...
2. Stand "at" the back...
3. Stand "in" the front...
4. Stand "at" the front...
5. Stand "at" the side...
6. Stand "on" the side...
Which sentences are the correct ones? I am confused with the usage. Thanks in advanced

There are, as Mike noted, some specific situations or some dialect differences.
Generally, we use 'in' for an enclosure type situation; car, room, closet, etc. and we use 'at' for a position or space or location.

in the room at the back/front/window side/door side [more specific] by the stove/the teacher's desk/Manami/Kotaro/etc