"buy at a department store" vs "buy in a department store"

Question

"buy at a department store" vs "buy in a department store"

Both phrases are commonly used in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Buy at a department store' is more commonly used when referring to the act of purchasing something from a specific store, while 'buy in a department store' is used when talking about the location where the purchase takes place.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

This phrase is used when referring to the act of purchasing something from a specific store, emphasizing the location of the purchase.

Examples:

I always buy my clothes at the department store.
You can buy a variety of products at the department store.
She prefers to buy gifts at the department store.
They decided to buy furniture at the department store.
He needs to buy some new shoes at the department store.

Alternatives:

purchase at a department store
shop at a department store
get at a department store
acquire at a department store
procure at a department store

This phrase is used when talking about the location where the purchase takes place, emphasizing the physical store as the place of the transaction.

Examples:

I like to buy my groceries in a department store.
They bought a new TV in the department store.
She found a beautiful dress in the department store.
He always buys his books in the department store.
We can buy school supplies in the department store.

Alternatives:

purchase in a department store
shop in a department store
get in a department store
acquire in a department store
procure in a department store

Answer 1

buy at a department store

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

buy in a department store

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"buy at a department store" vs "buy in a department store"

buy at a department store

buy in a department store

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