At the east vs in the east

Question

I was surpised when a Google search for both "in the east" and "at the east" produced many millions and similar results. I'd always said "in the east" in cases like a place being "in the east of some other place (within) or to the east of some other place (beyond), but never "at".

Can anybody briefly clear this up for me? When do native speakers use "at"?

Thanks.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

"At the east" would be okay in certain situations, for example:

"The store is at the east end of the mall."

"In the east" is not right. It should be "to/from the east," for example:

"Centerville" is to the east of Porterville."

"He's from the east coast."

Rover_KE · Answer

I'd only use 'at the east' when 'east' is used adjectivally.

I'll meet you at the east entrance of the mall.

At the east vs in the east

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions