Subtlety and prepositions.

[M56]

Why do people generally say "to sit in front of the TV" but "to be at the PC"?

Why we use "in front of the TV" and not "at the TV"?

[Tdol]

'At' for activity????

[M56]

'At' for activity????

Yes, I think so. Productive vs non-productive.

[Tdol]

We also say 'at my desk', which was what made me go for it.

[M56]

We also say 'at my desk', which was what made me go for it.

Yes, I see. Apparently, the most common words that precede "in front of" are: sprawled, plonked, curled up, lounge, cosily installed, and vegetate (the main one being "slumped")

I wonder what they are for "at the/my computer"?

[Tdol]

I'm surprised 'chilling' hasn't started appearing.

[Marylin]

Yes, I see. Apparently, the most common words that precede "in front of" are: sprawled, plonked, curled up, lounge, cosily installed, and vegetate (the main one being "slumped")

I wonder what they are for "at the/my computer"?

glued to the computer
to sit on the computer
remain semi comatosed in front of the computer
to do armchair surfing
to be under mouse arrest
to have a bad case of "Dorrito" Syndrome"
glazing (Corporate-slang for sleeping with your eyes open)
mouse potatoe syndrome
go online
to have a date with a square headed girl/friend/boyfriend

Also, you can still be plonked in front of the computer as well. (same as TV)

[M56]

glued to the computer
to sit on the computer
remain semi comatosed in front of the computer
to do armchair surfing
to be under mouse arrest
to have a bad case of "Dorrito" Syndrome"
glazing (Corporate-slang for sleeping with your eyes open)
mouse potatoe syndrome
go online
to have a date with a square headed girl/friend/boyfriend

Also, you can still be plonked in front of the computer as well. (same as TV)

Fine , Marilyn, but none of those collocate with "at my computer". I haven't heard "plonked in front of my computer". Do you think the person was doing a productive act when plonked?

[Marylin]

Fine , Marilyn, but none of those collocate with "at my computer". I haven't heard "plonked in front of my computer". Do you think the person was doing a productive act when plonked?

This term is used where I live.

You can plonk a kid in front of the computer and tell him to do his homework.
The result will be productive.

[Tdol]

Unless, he ignores your order and heads for a game site.