"in the cafeteria" vs "at the cafeteria"

Question

"in the cafeteria" vs "at the cafeteria"

Both 'in the cafeteria' and 'at the cafeteria' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'In the cafeteria' is used when referring to being physically inside the cafeteria, while 'at the cafeteria' is used when referring to being in the vicinity or at the location of the cafeteria.

Last Updated: April 04, 2024

Use 'in the cafeteria' when you want to indicate that someone or something is physically located inside the cafeteria.

Examples:

I will meet you in the cafeteria for lunch.
There are many students in the cafeteria.
She left her bag in the cafeteria.
The food in the cafeteria is not very good.
He was sitting alone in the cafeteria.

Alternatives:

inside the cafeteria
within the cafeteria
within the confines of the cafeteria
within the cafeteria premises
within the cafeteria walls

Use 'at the cafeteria' when you want to indicate that someone or something is located near or at the cafeteria but not necessarily inside it.

Examples:

I will wait for you at the cafeteria entrance.
There is a bus stop at the cafeteria.
He is at the cafeteria, but he hasn't gone inside yet.
She works at the cafeteria as a cashier.
There is a meeting at the cafeteria later.

Alternatives:

near the cafeteria
by the cafeteria
around the cafeteria
close to the cafeteria
adjacent to the cafeteria

Answer 1

in the cafeteria

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to being physically inside the cafeteria.

Answer 2

at the cafeteria

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to being in the vicinity or at the location of the cafeteria.