in the back vs at the back

Both 'in the back' and 'at the back' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the back' is used when referring to a specific location inside a space, while 'at the back' is used to indicate a general position at the rear of something.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 1949 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific location inside a space.

"in the back"

Use 'in the back' when you want to specify a particular area or location within a space, such as 'The keys are in the back of the drawer.'

Examples:

She sat in the back of the classroom.
The restaurant has a table in the back for private events.
I found my book in the back seat of the car.
The tools are in the back of the garage.
There's a hidden compartment in the back of the closet.

Show examples from the web [+]

Come on, party's in the back.
- Go in the back and get you an apron.
They can't even be quiet in the back.
That must mean a human being can get in the back.
There is one in the back.
-I want a table in the back.
I guess we can put her in the back.
I like sitting in the back.
They break all my windows in the back.
Gentleman in the back, 4,500.
They should be about this high and in the back.
A door... in the back.
They've been in the back for a bit.
Actually, the Hefeweizen tap needs to be changed in the back.
Me and my sister were still in the back.
Twenty-one thousand dollars in the back. It's a lady in the back.
He was shot in the back.
No, you stabbed me in the back.
Until my partner stabbed me in the back.
James offered to join me in the back.

Alternatives:

at the rear
towards the rear
in the rear
at the back of
towards the back of

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a general position at the rear of something.

"at the back"

Use 'at the back' when you want to refer to a general location at the rear of something, such as 'The parking lot is at the back of the building.'

Examples:

The playground is at the back of the school.
There's a garden at the back of the house.
The store is located at the back of the shopping center.
The entrance is at the back of the building.
The meeting room is at the back of the office.

Show examples from the web [+]

There's a bio at the back.
The servants' and tradesmen's entrance is at the back.
I can see exactly what you're doing at the back.
I took a desk at the back because it was empty.
The advantage of being sat at the back.
They were darkest at the back, not the front.
Pick up your backpack and meet grandma at the back door.
One of you young guys at the back.
And at the back, there was Jeremy's creation.
I think we're at the back.
There was a door at the back.
We have some merch at the back, so...
Bravo One, I'm at the back.
First floor, room at the back.
And there's free food at the back.
There's a small yard at the back with a low fence.
The girls at the back may sit up on their desks.
There, at the back, one with elephant legs.
I'll just sit at the back and observe.
See him at the back with the blonde... Albert Einstein.

Alternatives:

in the rear
towards the rear
in the back of
towards the back of
at the rear of

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in the back vs at the back

"in the back"

"at the back"

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