What is the difference between "in the butcher’s" and "at the butcher’s"?

[Backd8r]

What is the difference between "in the butcher’s" and "at the butcher’s"?

I sometimes get confused about whether to use "in" or "at". For example, are you in or at a butcher’s? Are you in or at a post office? Is there a rule of thumb to help me not to confuse them?

 

[emsr2d2]

Re: What is the difference between "in the butcher’s" and "at the butcher’s"?

I sometimes get confused about whether to use "in" or "at". For example, are you in or at a butcher’s? Are you in or at a post office? Is there a rule of thumb to help me not to confuse them? [STRIKE]in and at?[/STRIKE]

Welcome to the forum. :hi:

Please note my corrections above. Prepositions are some of the hardest things to get to grips with in English. We generally recommend that you don't try to find a rule. You will just have to learn the usage as you go along. Each time you spot such a construction (as long as you're satisfied that you are reading a reliable source of English), make a note of it.

Please check the information in your profile. It says you're currently in Australia. That does not appear to be correct.

 

[Yankee]

Re: What is the difference between "in the butcher’s" and "at the butcher’s"?

I sometimes get confused whether to use in or at. For example, are you in or at a butcherÂ’s Are you in or at a post office Is there a rule of thumb to not confuse in and at?

They can frequently be used interchangeably. But using your post office example, you could imply a difference in meaning, and context could suggest a difference. I was at the post office yesterday when it began to rain. (Suggests you visited the facility but nothing in particular about the building/facility) I was in the post office yesterday because I had to order stamps. (Specific reference to entering the facility for some purpose.)

 

[Tarheel]

Re: What is the difference between "in the butcher’s" and "at the butcher’s"?

I would say:

at a butcher shop
at a post office

 

[emsr2d2]

Re: What is the difference between "in the butcher’s" and "at the butcher’s"?

Please don't edit post #1 after it receives responses. My corrections in the quote box in post #2 now look nonsensical.