be at
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle at
Meanings
Be in a particular place or point
Why “at”? AT marks one clear point. It can be a place, time, answer, or stage.
“Maya is at the station.”
“The key was at the front desk.”
Be doing something again, often something annoying
Why “at”? AT can show steady effort on one task. The effort stays on the same point.
“The kids are at it again in the hall.”
“Ben was at it all morning with the noisy drill.”
Test yourself
“Maya is at the station.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
arrive at
Same at pattern: point
Reach a place, answer, or decision
go at
Same at pattern: effort
Work on something with strong energy; Attack or argue with strong energy
have at
Same at pattern: effort
Start doing something eagerly
keep at
Same at pattern: effort
Continue trying with effort
meet at
Same at pattern: point
Gather in a set place or time
pick at
Same at pattern: effort
Touch or pull small parts repeatedly
work at
Same at pattern: effort
Make steady effort on a task or skill
be about
Same base verb: be
Be going to do something very soon
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