in vs at the gate

Question

0If two parents are flying with the child, Feddersen suggests sending one on the plane early to "get your sails set up." Meanwhile, the other adult can wait with the child in the gate and board as late as possible.02br02br00Can I replace 'in' with 'at'? I usually use wait with 'at', so don't find the usage here idiomatic. Do you agree?02br02br00Thanks.0-

Cool Breeze · Accepted Answer

0 Hi N2G02br
01i00At02i00 seems the right preposition to me but the choice has nothing to do with 01i00wait.02i00 "A gate" is a fairly 01u00small place02u00 and 01i00at02i00 is often used with them: 01i00He is standing at the gate / at the window / at the door / at the bus stop 02i00etc.02br
00When 01i00wait02i00 requires a preposition, it is usually 01i00for: What are you waiting for? Don't wait for me! I'm waiting for a reply. - 02i00If you are talking about a waitress or a waiter: 01i00Who waited on you?02i02br
00In Swedish, another Germanic language, the prepostion corresponding in meaning to the English 01i00on02i00 is used where English uses 01i00for.02i00 This usage seems to have a long tradition and some native speakers of English actually say 01i00wait on02i00 instead of 01i00wait for02i00 sometimes. 02br
00CB 0-

New2grammar · Answer

0I've never heard of 'wait on' until today. Interesting. Thanks CB.02br
02br
01i00Who waited on you?02i0-

Nona the brit · Answer

0I suppose they've used 'in' because the airport gate is more of an area rather than an actual gate. You normally have to hang around in a waiting area before boarding - but it still feels more comfortable with 'at'.0-

New2grammar · Answer

0Thanks, Nona. I agree with your interpretation that 'in' suggests an three dimensional area while 'at' a location. I too prefer 'at' as the focus isn't on confinement. 0-

in vs at the gate

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