At the back

Status
Not open for further replies.

UM Chakma

Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2013
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Bengali; Bangla
Home Country
Bangladesh
Current Location
Singapore
It seems both "in" and "on" could be used with "the back". Can't "at" be used with "the back"? For example: Could you please go/seat at the back?
Moreover, How about "from"? For example: Could somebody please move from the back?
Please let me know if they are okay to be used in that way. I just want to know/learn how "the back" used in the language.
 

MikeNewYork

VIP Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Member Type
Academic
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
Re: In the back / on the back

It seems both "in" and "on" could be used with "the back". Can't "at" be used with "the back"? For example: Could you please go/seat at the back?
Moreover, How about "from"? For example: Could somebody please move from the back?
Please let me know if they are okay to be used in that way. I just want to know/learn how "the back" used in the language.

You seem to be asking about the back of the plane. The OP's question was about the back of the seat.
 

UM Chakma

Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2013
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Bengali; Bangla
Home Country
Bangladesh
Current Location
Singapore
Re: In the back / on the back

Yes. Isn't my question related to this thread?
 

MikeNewYork

VIP Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Member Type
Academic
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
Re: In the back / on the back

Yes. Isn't my question related to this thread?

Yes, I suppose so. On a plane, one would say: Can you sit in the back? Can you move from the back?
 

emsr2d2

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
Re: In the back / on the back

I don't think your post was related sufficiently to the OP's question to warrant posting it in their thread. I have created a new thread for your question regarding the back of a plane.
 

UM Chakma

Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2013
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Bengali; Bangla
Home Country
Bangladesh
Current Location
Singapore
Re: In the back / on the back

Sorry then. I thought It was related because of the word "the back". Thanks for bringing it on a new thread. I got one answer from Mike. What about others? Could you please tell me if they can be used?
Mike's answer was "Can you sit in the back?". Can't it also be said like "Can you sit at the back?". I am asking this because I think I have heard it used.
 
Last edited:

emsr2d2

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
Re: In the back / on the back

In BrE, we sit at the back of a plane, theatre, cinema, bus etc. We move from the front to the back.

In AmE, I believe it is possible to say that someone is sitting "in back" of a room or form of transport. That is not used in BrE.
 

Tdol

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
Re: In the back / on the back

In AmE, I believe it is possible to say that someone is sitting "in back" of a room or form of transport. That is not used in BrE.

"in the back"?
 

emsr2d2

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
Re: In the back / on the back

"in the back"?

My friend from Oregon always says "He's in back" but maybe that's non-standard AmE.
 

Barb_D

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 12, 2007
Member Type
Other
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
Re: In the back / on the back

I'd use the "the." On the school bus, the older kids sit in the back and the younger kids sit in the front.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top