at / in the canteen

Question

Can I say, They are eating happily in / at the canteen.

Optilang · Accepted Answer

Vincent TeoCan I say,

They are eating happily in ~~/ at~~ the canteen.

Vincent Teo · Answer

Thanks. But , Why? sometimes we can say at the canteen.

eg, we buy food at the canteen.

Feebs11 · Answer

Because they are in the canteen when they are eating their food, but you can buy food at somewhere, or from somewhere, or (even) in somewhere.

RayH · Answer

Vincent TeoThanks. But , Why? sometimes we can say at the canteen.

eg, we buy food at the canteen.

This is probably a case of idiomatic usage. For example, you would probably say in answer to a question "I think they are at the canteen" but not "I think they are in the canteen." As far as I can tell there is no particular logic involved, it's just the way it is.

Actually now that I look at this particular situation there seems to be a matter of distance involved. So, if we are all gathered around the canteen (in the parking lot, on the sidewalk outside, perhaps on an adjacent lawn, etc.) then if someone asks where Joe is you would answer "I think Joe is in the canteen" but if we were all are several blocks or more away you would answer "I think Joe is at the canteen."

at / in the canteen

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