word choice - When do we use "arrive at" versus "arrive in"?


When do we use "at" and "in" with "arrive" talking about place, not time?



Answer



Arrive carries 3 prepositions: in, on, or at.



  1. He arrived in New York.

  2. He arrived at the station.

  3. He arrived on the scene of the accident.


Also:



  • He arrived here. [no preposition]

  • He arrived at 12 o'clock.

  • He arrived within 10 minutes.

  • He will arrive in an hour.


So it turns out that 'arrive' either carries or doesn't carry a preposition depending on the place or time that follows it, i.e. if the place or the time carries a preposition.


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