sit at the desk vs sit by the desk

Both phrases are correct; however, they have slightly different meanings. 'Sit at the desk' implies sitting directly in front of or using the desk for work or study. On the other hand, 'sit by the desk' suggests sitting near or next to the desk without necessarily using it. The choice between the two phrases depends on the specific context and the intended meaning.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 13, 2024 • 19164 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"sit at the desk"

This phrase is used when someone is sitting directly in front of or using the desk for work or study.

Examples:

She likes to sit at the desk to do her homework.
He sat at the desk and started typing on his computer.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 06, 2024

May 2, 2019 ... Strictly speaking, you can say “sit on” if you are sitting on the top of the desk—why would you want to?—but ordinarily you sit at the desk, in ...
Aug 30, 2024 ... Sit at the desk, just don't touch the chair's lumbar adjustments... :) Upvote
Jul 3, 2020 ... ... “sit on” if you are sitting on the top of the desk—why would you want to?—but ordinarily you sit at the desk, in a desk chair. Upvote ·. 91.
Jan 17, 2023 ... Sims won't use computer unless I make them sit at the desk. Discussion. Does this happen to anyone else? How do you fix this? My Sim won't use ...
Oct 16, 2023 ... 339 likes, 19 comments - jessicajannercastro on October 16, 2023: "What an honor to sit at the desk with KING 5 / journalism legends past ...
I used to think that the best you could do is sit at the desk and wait for rain. But completing the Headspace 30-day pack on creativity changed my mind ...
... sit at the desk beneath it, I had to push the TV back. - Check out Tripadvisor members' 577 candid photos and videos of Courtyard By Marriott Erie Bayfront.
Jun 5, 2010 ... Every day, starting at 5 a.m., I sit at the desk my wife and I bought several years ago at either an antique store or a garage sale--my memory's ...
Feb 27, 2023 ... So stressed I can no longer think straight or sit at the desk without feeling panicked about getting covid. Incidentally I think my wearing ...
Nov 25, 2009 ... I have tried different computers, chairs and desks. Sometimes she will sit at the desk in the chair but I cant get her to use the computer.

Alternatives:

sit at the table
sit at the computer desk
sit at the reception desk
sit at the writing desk

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"sit by the desk"

This phrase is used when someone is sitting near or next to the desk without necessarily using it.

Examples:

She sat by the desk waiting for her turn.
He likes to sit by the desk to read his books.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 06, 2024

Sep 4, 2023 ... ... time forward without going to sleep? Or do I just have to sit by the desk and wait for the time to hit??. Upvote 1. Downvote Award
If I want my sim to sit by the desk in their room, I have to wait until they have sat down somewhere, and then choose "sit" in the other chair. Can I fix ...
Sep 26, 2021 ... The solution is to sit by the desk just like it's recomended for a normal keyboard/mouse in front of a screen.
Maomao has picked the pattern — — whenever I sit by the desk, there would be a light to chase. My other two cats haven't figured out this pattern yet but ...
Nov 4, 2015 ... What made Carson so important? The answer is simple. Carson made careers. If Johnny invited a young comedian to sit by the desk after a routine- ...
Oct 24, 2017 ... I lost count of the times that she would sit by the desk sobbing and I would quietly murmur to her that everything was OK, everything was going ...
You can experience what it was like – sit by the desk, have your own slate to write on, and find out what it was like to have the teacher test you to see if ...
Jan 23, 2018 ... In his prose, these extremes are inseparable. At night I sit by the desk until my eyes become watery, and I get sleepy. I listen. The surf ...
Jun 3, 2021 ... ... sit by the desk while we worked. Hayes came to work probably about five days after giving birth to her. That just shows you the crazy tough ...

Alternatives:

sit near the desk
sit next to the desk
sit beside the desk
sit close to the desk

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

sit at the desk vs sit by the desk

"sit at the desk"

"sit by the desk"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text