In or at

Question

1.Shoes weren't sold at the store.2.Shoes weren't sold in the store.In this case , which should I use, 'at' or 'in' ?And what's the difference between these sentences?Please tell me the difference between 'at' and 'in'.Thank you.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

hhanz:

You have asked a very difficult question. I shall be happy to give my opinion.

(1) I think both of your sentences are correct, depending on what you wish to say. I have changed your sentences a bit for easier analysis.

(2) Shoes are sold at that store.

TOM: I need some shoes.

SUSAN: Why don't you go to Mr. Smith's store.

TOM: Oh, do they sell shoes AT his store? I didn't know that.

(I used AT because when I used the word "store," I was NOT thinking of the building. I was thinking of an idea: a shoe business that is owned by Mr. Smith.)

(3) Shoes are sold in that store.

MONA (standing outside a store. She is waiting for a bus.)

RALPH (a stranger ) Excuse me, Miss. Somebody told me that I could find a place that sells shoes around here. Can you help me?

MONA: No problem. Shoes are sold IN that store. (She points to the store behind here.)

(I used IN because this time I am basically thinking of the actual building, not the idea of a shoe business.)

Let's see what others think. Thank you.

In or at

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