At the counter vs on the counter

Both 'at the counter' and 'on the counter' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'At the counter' is used when referring to being physically present near the counter, while 'on the counter' is used when something is physically located on top of the counter.

Last updated: April 14, 2024

At the counter

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'at the counter' when you want to indicate that someone or something is physically present near the counter, such as waiting to be served or paying for something.

Examples:

I'll meet you at the counter in the store.
She was standing at the counter, waiting for her order.

Show examples from the web [+]

Nov 30, 2021 ... At the counter, the agent might suggest that you need this rental car insurance because your existing auto insurance won't cover the rental ...

Alternatives:

by the counter
next to the counter
near the counter
beside the counter
close to the counter

on the counter

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'on the counter' when you want to indicate that something is physically located on top of the counter, such as items or objects placed there.

Examples:

The keys are on the counter in the kitchen.
She left the book on the counter.

Show examples from the web [+]

Perishable foods should never be thawed on the counter, or in hot water and must not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Even though the center ...
Oct 9, 2017 ... Your grandma insists on leaving her butter on the counter because that's the way her grandma did it. But is it actually safe to let butter ...
Aug 5, 2022 ... It's common for the French to leave butter out on the counter. Should Americans be doing the same?
Dec 9, 2022 ... It's almost always safe to leave butter on the counter or to eat butter that has been out of the fridge for a while.
Nov 18, 2016 ... thawing a turkey on the counter, in the garage or on the back porch; thawing a turkey in a brown paper grocery bag or plastic garbage bag ...
May 20, 2022 ... Is it safe to store butter on the counter? How do you store butter on the counter? Here's the answer to all your butter storage questions.
Apr 19, 2023 ... She had a food safety lab in California run some (well, many) tests, and found out that butter kept at room temperature can stay on the counter, ...

Alternatives:

on top of the counter
on top of the table
on the surface of the counter
resting on the counter
placed on the counter

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