In the post office vs At the post office

Both 'in the post office' and 'at the post office' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the post office' is used when referring to being physically inside the building. 'At the post office' can mean you're inside the building, but this phrase is also used when referring to being near the building.

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Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 12, 2025 • 5744 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to being physically inside the post office building.

"In the post office"

Use 'in the post office' when you want to indicate that someone or something is physically located inside the post office building.

Examples:

I am waiting in the post office for my package to arrive.
She works in the post office sorting mail.
There is a long line in the post office today.

Show examples from the web [+]

Like send me a post card in the post office, whatever.
He's been in the post office but I don't know him.
A year ago I was over in Tucson, they still had my picture up in the post office.
It appears I will remain here, in the Post Office, after all.
I thought I recognized Sprague from his picture in the post office.
Ordinary postal savings certificates can be 'bought'in paper form any day in any Italian post office, by anyone who presents themselves in the post office with an identification document and with the amount in cash they wish to invest in the certificates.
Perhaps put a notice in the post office, explaining that it was a man's wages and his family needs it.
You knew all the time that I found the bullet in the post office.
It doesn't explain why Rose put the card in the Post Office window.
And Laura's on her own in the post office, and everyone else is in the field.
She had some fixed deposits in the post office Fifty thousand rupees in ourjoint account
That lovely Italian lady in the post office brought me a sumptuous dinner.
I thought I recognized Sprague from his picture in the post office.
It doesn't explain why Rose put the card in the Post Office window.
Also, of all the public utilities, people employed in the Post Office generally live in their working area and contribute to the local economy and community development.
Privatisation might result in an unsound staffing policy, which will damage confidence in the post office.
Ba-kow! I'm in the post office!
So your report would indicate the magician spent the night in the post office.
That's as high as high powers get... in the Post Office.
How did Garrick know he was in the post office?

Alternatives:

inside the post office
within the post office

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to being at the location of the post office or near the building.

"At the post office"

Use 'at the post office' when you want to indicate that someone or something is located at the post office or in the vicinity of the building.

Examples:

I will meet you at the post office after work.
He parked his car at the post office.
There is a mailbox at the post office entrance.

Show examples from the web [+]

Derek Clark was being trussed up and beaten senseless at the Post Office.
First in line at the post office.
If you had left him alone, it would be at the post office safe and sound.
And it's not because I'm at the post office.
Worked at the post office for 12 years.
They're friends of mine from my days back at the Post Office.
And it's not because I'm at the post office.
I saw Harmon at the post office.
I stole it when I worked at the post office.
Each call was placed just seconds after Reddington arrived at the post office.
I was hoping I might have my room at the post office.
I'm staying with the Hallows at the Post Office.
My assistant drops them at the post office every Monday.
No. A booth at the Post Office.
Come join us at the Post Office.
Let's meet at the post office tomorrow at two o'clock.
I was at the post office and...
Encouraging Laura to stay at the Post Office for Christmas.
It was because he hated his job at the post office.
It's a box at the post office, Hanna.

Alternatives:

near the post office
by the post office

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In the post office vs At the post office

"In the post office"

"At the post office"

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