"on the ground floor" vs "at the ground floor"

Question

"on the ground floor" vs "at the ground floor"

Both "at the ground floor" and "on the ground floor" are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. "On the ground floor" is the more common and appropriate phrase to use when referring to a specific floor level in a building. On the other hand, "at the ground floor" could be used in a more general sense to describe being in the vicinity or area of the ground floor.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

This phrase is used to specify a particular level within a building, usually the lowest level accessible from the ground.

Examples:

The office is on the ground floor of the building.
The library is located on the ground floor.
The apartment on the ground floor has a garden.
The store on the ground floor is closed today.
The restaurant on the ground floor is very popular.

Alternatives:

at the ground floor
on the first floor
on the main level
on the lower level
on the ground level

This phrase can be used to indicate a general location near the ground floor of a building without specifying a specific level.

Examples:

The meeting is at the ground floor cafe.
The shops at the ground floor are always busy.
The reception area is at the ground floor of the hotel.
The gym is located at the ground floor of the building.
The restaurant is at the ground floor of the mall.

Alternatives:

on the ground floor
on the first floor
on the main level
on the lower level
on the ground level

Answer 1

on the ground floor

This phrase is the more common and appropriate way to refer to a specific floor level in a building.

Answer 2

at the ground floor

This phrase is correct but less commonly used than "on the ground floor." It can be used in a more general sense to describe being in the vicinity or area of the ground floor.

"on the ground floor" vs "at the ground floor"

on the ground floor

at the ground floor

Related Comparisons