"in the back" vs "at the back"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

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

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

in the back

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

Answer 2

at the back

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

"in the back" vs "at the back"

in the back

at the back

Related Comparisons