"in the record store" vs "at the record store"

Question

"in the record store" vs "at the record store"

Both "in the record store" and "at the record store" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "In the record store" implies being physically inside the store, while "at the record store" can refer to being in the vicinity or at the location of the store.

Last Updated: April 03, 2024

Use "in the record store" when you want to specify that someone or something is physically located inside a record store.

Examples:

I found the vinyl I was looking for in the record store.
She spent hours browsing through the CDs in the record store.

Alternatives:

inside the record store
within the record store
within the confines of the record store
inside the store
within the store

Use "at the record store" when you want to refer to being near or at the location of a record store without necessarily being inside it.

Examples:

I'll meet you at the record store after work.
There's a great sale going on at the record store.

Alternatives:

near the record store
by the record store
close to the record store
outside the record store
around the record store

Answer 1

in the record store

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate being physically inside a record store.

Answer 2

at the record store

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate being in the vicinity or at the location of a record store.