i was at/i went to a restaurant.

[Arctica1982]

Hello!

Is there any specific difference between these 2 sentences? Basically, they have the same meaning to me.


I was at a restaurant yesterday.
I went to a restaurant yesterday.

 

[emsr2d2]

The first focuses on your location. The second focuses on the activity.

The two are not interchangeable.

 

[BobK]

:up: And the difference in focus can reflect a difference in fact. For example:


Policeman: 'Where were you at midday yesterday?'
Innocent: 'I was at a restaurant [and I stayed there until 1.30].'

But

Policeman: 'Where were you at midday yesterday?'
Potentially Guilty: 'I went to a restaurant [before nipping out the back and committing the murder].'

;-)
b