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

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chibe_k

Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2006
Member Type
Student or Learner
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

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Joined
May 13, 2005
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
These differences are mostly differences in regional dialects and conventions of usage. All of them are correct English grammar.
 

riverkid

Key Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2006
Member Type
English Teacher
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
 
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