In/at

[VannyBunny]

Hello!
I've seen that one of us had already posted a question about prepositions of place. But my question is a little different. What is exactly the difference in saying

"She is in the mall"
"She is at the mall"

I know that the first one doesn't sound good. But is it correct?
It was told that "IN is short for 'inside of a structure'". But a mall is a three dimentional structure, right?
It's confusing for me.

 

[EnglishRyan]

Hi VannyBunny,

You can say "she is in the mall" if you also at the mall or very close to the mall (perhaps in the parking lot).

If you are not near the mall, you would say "she is at the mall".

Hope that did not confuse you more, lol

Ryan

 

[VannyBunny]

I will be honest with you EnglishRyan, I did got a little bit more confused.

So if she is IN the mall or near it, we can say that "She is in the mall",

but if she is far, I should say "She is at the mall" ?????

 

[Anglika]

I will be honest with you EnglishRyan, I did got a little bit more confused.

So if she is IN the mall or near it, we can say that "She is in the mall",

but if she is far, I should say "She is at the mall" ?????

She is shopping in the mall - she is inside it

She is waiting for me at the mall - she is probably outside, but may be inside.

 

[jctgf]

hi,
is it right to say that when somebody is ''at'' somewhere he/she is ''in the vicinities'' or ''on the premises'' of that place?
thanks