club

[Morpheus]

It is the 'thumb rule' I always use but, obviously, it doesn't always work..

Yes, and now I am not sure which preposition I should use in the sentence: "If I see Jim in/at the club tomorrow I'll invite him to our place."

According to Bob I should use "at" since we are speaking about a building, at the same time there must be some activity there...

And let's take the following sentence: "There was a lecture at/in our club yesterday". (We are speaking about a gentlemen's club now). That is an activity, so shall we use "in"?

HELP! :)

[Barb_D]

If you see Jim AT the club...
If you use "in" then you mean inside the building. It sounds as though you wouldn't extend your invitation if you saw him in the parking lot.

I would use "at" for your second example as well.
There was a lecture at our club. So many people signed up, we had to hold it IN the grand ballroom.

[Morpheus]

Barb_D, thanks a lot. I guess I got it now! :)

[BobK]

This wasn't a rule of thumb. It was a rule that covers one context (rather more specific than most students need. Sorry if I confused anyone.

b

Shorter version: "at" if the club is a building; "in" if it's an abstract noun - generally. ...

[Casiopea]

I was taught quite a different thing: we should use "at" if we speak about an activity taking place somewhere and "in" if we speak about a building.

The rule works:

[1] I unwind at the club after work. <what I do>
[2] I unwind in the club after work. <where I am>

[Morpheus]

The rule works:

[1] I unwind at the club after work. <what I do>
[2] I unwind in the club after work. <where I am>

So both are possible. Great! :)

I want to thank everybody.

[Casiopea]

You're most welcome.