🆚What is the difference between "The barista in this cafe is so friendly. " and "The barista at this cafe is so friendly. " ? "The barista in this cafe is so friendly. " vs "The barista at this cafe is so friendly. " ? (2024)

• English (UK)
• English (US)

In these sentences they are completely interchangeable. They mean the same thing. In and at are often a little more flexible in English than some other languages. In is used more frequently

They are different when used like this:

I am going in that direction. (Cannot use at here)

I was there at that time.

But when referring to locations where you are present at the time or nearby, they are usually the same.

Examples:
Where are you?
I’m at the cafe
I’m in the cafe

What did you do today?
We saw animals at the zoo.
We saw animals in the zoo.

Where shall I meet you?
In the cafe on Main Street
At the cafe on Main Street (this COULD also mean to meet outside the doors before going in)

In would always mean you were inside the place

At means you can be in or next to it.

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• English (UK)
• English (US)

In these sentences they are completely interchangeable. They mean the same thing. In and at are often a little more flexible in English than some other languages. In is used more frequently

They are different when used like this:

I am going in that direction. (Cannot use at here)

I was there at that time.

But when referring to locations where you are present at the time or nearby, they are usually the same.

Examples:
Where are you?
I’m at the cafe
I’m in the cafe

What did you do today?
We saw animals at the zoo.
We saw animals in the zoo.

Where shall I meet you?
In the cafe on Main Street
At the cafe on Main Street (this COULD also mean to meet outside the doors before going in)

In would always mean you were inside the place

At means you can be in or next to it.

• Japanese

@Serena_Orion Thanks for answering my question in depth！😀
I couldn't be able to understand their nuances for ages but now I have finally got the perfect answer. Thanks million!! Cheers👋