"in the lab" vs "at the lab"

Question

"in the lab" vs "at the lab"

Both 'in the lab' and 'at the lab' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'In the lab' is used when referring to being physically inside the laboratory, while 'at the lab' is used when talking about being at the location of the laboratory without necessarily being inside.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

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

Examples:

She is working in the lab on a new experiment.
The equipment in the lab needs to be calibrated.
There are many chemicals in the lab.
He spends most of his time in the lab.
The students are conducting experiments in the lab.

Alternatives:

inside the lab
within the lab
within the laboratory
inside the laboratory

Use 'at the lab' when you want to indicate that someone is at the location of the laboratory but not necessarily inside it.

Examples:

She is waiting at the lab for her colleague.
He will meet you at the lab entrance.
The delivery is scheduled to arrive at the lab.
There is a meeting at the lab later today.
The students will gather at the lab for the experiment.

Alternatives:

near the lab
by the lab
outside the lab
outside the laboratory

Answer 1

in the lab

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

Answer 2

at the lab

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to being at the location of the laboratory without necessarily being inside.

"in the lab" vs "at the lab"

in the lab

at the lab

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