Meaning
Located in or to one's own house.
Cultural Background
The British often use 'at home' to describe a specific type of social invitation, historically called an 'At Home' day, where guests could drop by without a formal appointment. In the US, 'at home' is heavily associated with the 'work-from-home' (WFH) movement, and being 'at home' is often seen as a luxury of the modern digital economy. While the English 'at home' implies relaxation, in Japan, being 'at home' (uchi) involves specific social duties and hierarchies that differ from 'outside' (soto) behavior. Hospitality is paramount; telling a guest to 'make yourself at home' is often followed by offering food and drink immediately, as it is a core cultural value.
The 'Zero Article' Rule
Remember: no 'the'! Just 'at home.' This is one of the most common mistakes for beginners.
At the home
Only use 'at the home' if you are talking about a nursing home or a care facility.
Meaning
Located in or to one's own house.
The 'Zero Article' Rule
Remember: no 'the'! Just 'at home.' This is one of the most common mistakes for beginners.
At the home
Only use 'at the home' if you are talking about a nursing home or a care facility.
Feel vs. Be
Use 'be at home' for location and 'feel at home' for emotions.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
I am ____ home right now.
We use 'at' to describe being located in our own home.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural sentence.
'At home' is a set phrase that does not use 'the' or 'in'.
Complete the dialogue.
Host: 'Welcome! Please, ____ yourself at home.'
'Make yourself at home' is the standard idiom for welcoming guests.
Match the meaning of 'at home' to the situation.
Situation: 'She is at home with the new computer system.'
In this context, it means she is proficient and comfortable using the system.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI am ____ home right now.
We use 'at' to describe being located in our own home.
Choose the most natural sentence.
'At home' is a set phrase that does not use 'the' or 'in'.
Host: 'Welcome! Please, ____ yourself at home.'
'Make yourself at home' is the standard idiom for welcoming guests.
Situation: 'She is at home with the new computer system.'
In this context, it means she is proficient and comfortable using the system.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes! 'I am home' usually means you just arrived. 'I am at home' means you are already there.
It's just an idiom. English uses 'at' for general locations and 'in' for being inside a specific container or room.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or with your boss.
It means 'please relax and act as if this were your own house.'
Related Phrases
homey
similarCozy and comfortable like a home.
in-house
specialized formDone within an organization.
homeward
similarMoving toward home.
stay-at-home
builds onSomeone who stays in the house.
