to eat at the cafeteria vs to eat in the cafeteria

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'To eat at the cafeteria' implies a more general location, while 'to eat in the cafeteria' suggests being inside the cafeteria. The choice between 'at' and 'in' depends on the level of specificity you want to convey.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1665 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"to eat at the cafeteria"

This phrase is used to indicate the action of eating meals that are provided by the cafeteria, without specifying the exact location within the cafeteria.

Examples:

I usually eat at the cafeteria during lunchtime.
She decided to eat at the cafeteria today.

Show examples from the web [+]

I can't just eat cafeteria food.
And they're making you eat in the cafeteria now.
And if you eat alone in the cafeteria, You are a sitting duck.
I go to a hospital cafeteria to eat.
Ms. Hoffman... sometimes when I'm hungry, I go to a hospital cafeteria to eat.
You know, we didn't have to eat in the school cafeteria.
Can you get me something to eat from the hospital cafeteria?
You know, don't ever eat in hospital cafeterias.
And they're going to sell this tradition of words so they can eat in a better cafeteria.
You know, why don't we go to the cafeteria and grab a bite to eat.
I thought maybe we'd eat at a place where you wanted to eat at tonight, Winston.
Father wants to eat at home tomorrow.
Not every client needs to eat at Mozza.
And soon I felt confident enough to get us something to eat at a roadside cafe.
But I finally get to eat at the best restaurant in Boulder.
Jared said he was going to eat at Claire's tonight.
You're too good to eat at my table.
They're just a good thing to eat at a picnic.
- Let's go get something to eat at Pizzariffic.
I thought it would be great to eat at a nice restaurant.

Alternatives:

to eat in the cafeteria
to have lunch at the cafeteria
to dine at the cafeteria
to grab a meal at the cafeteria
to enjoy a meal at the cafeteria

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"to eat in the cafeteria"

This phrase is used to specify that the eating action takes place inside the cafeteria, emphasizing the location.

Examples:

Let's go eat in the cafeteria today.
I saw him eating in the cafeteria earlier.

Show examples from the web [+]

You know, we didn't have to eat in the school cafeteria.
And they're making you eat in the cafeteria now.
I can't just eat cafeteria food.
You know, don't ever eat in hospital cafeterias.
And if you eat alone in the cafeteria, You are a sitting duck.
And they're going to sell this tradition of words so they can eat in a better cafeteria.
I go to a hospital cafeteria to eat.
Ms. Hoffman... sometimes when I'm hungry, I go to a hospital cafeteria to eat.
Can you get me something to eat from the hospital cafeteria?
You know, why don't we go to the cafeteria and grab a bite to eat.
The cafeteria ladies keep tabs on everything you eat.
I need to be able to eat in this town again.
There's nothing to eat in summer.
I stopped to eat in Bullhead City.
You just - you have to eat in a classroom.
We're not supposed to eat in Mummy's car.
There's got to be something to eat in here.
There's plenty to eat in the kitchen.
We're about to eat in ten minutes.
They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes.

Alternatives:

to eat at the cafeteria
to have lunch in the cafeteria
to dine in the cafeteria
to grab a meal in the cafeteria
to enjoy a meal in the cafeteria

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to eat at the cafeteria vs to eat in the cafeteria