I came across: Kelly ate at the sandwich.
I was told
But I don't see if "eat at the sandwich" is acceptable. If so, what's the difference in meaning between "ate the sandwich" and "ate at the sandwich"?
"ate at the sandwich" is unusual and may appear incorrect. It could be just a typing error, or it could be used intentionally to suggest an attempted or partial action. g.
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"ate at the sandwich" is unusual and may appear incorrect. It could be just a typing error, or it could be used intentionally to suggest an attempted or partial action. "at" is used in this way with various verbs, as in e.g. "nibble at the sandwich", but it is not common with the verb "eat", not in the relevant literal sense.