Host In or Host At – Which Is Correct? (Helpful Examples)

Prepositions sometimes play a trick on us. They can change the meaning of an expression, and it’s important we know which preposition should be used for each purpose.

For “Host In” or “Host At”, which is the correct form? And if both are acceptable, what does each mean?

Host In or Host At – Which Is Correct?

Both “Host In” and “Host At” are grammatically correct and could be used. “Host At” should be used to indicate the location of the event that’s being hosted. “Host In” should be used to clarify if the hosting spot is inside of an area or venue.

Let’s take a look at some examples, and after that, into each form separately:

• The ceremony will be hosted in Jerry’s house, not in the garden.
• The ceremony will be hosted at Jerry’s house.

Sentence 2 contains what seems to be the most common form, “Host At”. That’s because the message conveyed by the sentence is that the location where that ceremony will take place is Jerry’s house.

Sentence 1, on the other hand, clarifies that the ceremony will happen inside of the house, and not outside (as some guests may have anticipated). Since the exact location will be inside of the house, in this case we use “Host In”.

“Host In” and “Host At” are meant to be used to talk about actual events people would attend. “Host” is a word that also relates to the tech world – like “Host” a website, for example – and this isn’t what we’re discussing here.

For all Internet “Host” situations, the correct form is “Host On”. But it’s not the topic of our conversation at this time.

Host In

“Host In” is an idiomatic expression that indicates that an event will be hosted inside of a certain area, in an enclosed premise.

Let’s see some examples:

1. Make sure they know the meeting will be hosted in room 3.
2. Will the wedding be hosted in or outside of the venue?
3. What meeting room is the conference being hosted in?
4. Jake plans to host the party in the bar, rather than the patio as usual.
5. We wished to host our Christmas party in the garden, but it might snow.

“Host In” indicates that a meeting, party or event, will take place inside an area – which could be a room, a bar, or any other confined space.

Those sentences aren’t about the geographical location or the address where the event will happen. They’re about pointing out the specific inside location, for those who already know where to go to attend.

Host At

“Host At” is a grammatically correct form, used to indicate the location where an event will take place.

When using “Host At”, the idea is to give the audience a clear idea of where the party or event will happen, so they’re aware of it (for whatever reason). Take a look at the examples:

1. Will is going to host the party at his parent’s house.
2. Claire will host a party at their apartment next weekend.
3. The wedding will be hosted at that gorgeous venue on Main St.
4. The party is going to be hosted at Lonnie’s bar.
5. The event will be hosted at the convention center.

The use of “Host At” points to a location, where that group of people will be, to attend an event.

Which Is Used the Most?

Which one of those forms is used more often, “Host In” or “Host At”? Let’s take a look at the graph from Google Ngram Viewer that shows how frequently those forms are used.

“Host In” (both in its present and past tense) is used with much more frequency than “Host At”. We’re not sure why that is the case, but we find it very interesting.

In your daily conversations, which one do you use the most? And why?

Final Thoughts

“Host In” and “Host At” are correct and provide information about events people can attend. “Host At” indicates a location, pinpointing the place where you’ll be or where people should go. Use “Host In” when the event will happen inside a confined space and you need to let guests know.