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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.
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Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 13, 2024 • 18918 views

sit at the desk

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

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.
  • 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

sit by the desk

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

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.
  • 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

Related Comparisons

on your desk vs at your desk sit in desk vs sit at desk in the desk vs at the desk on the desk vs at the desk sitting at the desk vs sitting on the desk sit in the table vs sit at the table

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