at the supermarket or in a supermarket?

[chermay24]

is 'the' always used with 'supermarket'? and what preposition is appropriate to use with it?
thank u!

 

[Barb_D]

Hi, and welcome to Using English.

The use of "at" or "in" are the same with supermarket as they are with theater, restaurant, stadium, etc.

If you say "at" it means anywhere in or immediately around it. If you say "in" you are referring specifically to the interior.

I would use "the" in most cases, even if the person I'm speaking with doesn't know (or care) which market I use. I would use "a" to ask something like "Can you tell me where there's a supermarket in town? I need to pick up some groceries."

(In fact, I use "grocery store" and not "supermarket" in my day-to-day vocabulary.)

 

[TheParser]

is 'the' always used with 'supermarket'? and what preposition is appropriate to use with it?
thank u!

***** NOT A TEACHER *****


Chermay,


(1) May I just add a few words to Moderator Barbara's excellent answer?

(2) Wife: Where are you going?

Husband: I am going to the supermarket to buy food for tonight's

dinner.

(3) Wife: I need $100.

Husband: Why?

Wife: They're having a big sale at the supermarket on Main Street.

(4) Child: Mommy, where did you meet Daddy?

Mother: Oh, we met in a supermarket. It was love at first sight.

 

[susiedqq]

I have heard Canadiens say:

go to market . . .

go to hospital . . .

 

[ostap77]

I have heard Canadiens say:

go to market . . .

go to hospital . . .

I guess you might have meant Canadians?