We have a lot to learn about prepositions when learning languages. English has a significant number to choose from, and it can seem like every single one has a different contextual meaning. This article will explore “register in” and “register at” and how to use them both.
Is It “Register In” Or “Register At”?
“Register in” works when talking about the act of registering for something. It’s a fairly common preposition that we can use after “register” to show that we want to sign up for something. “Register at” is more specific. It only works when referring to the specific building we “registered.”
These examples will explain the difference:
- I will register in the morning because I don’t want to do it right now.
- You will have to register at the lecture hall. It’s the only place available.
What Does “Register In” Mean?
“Register in” works well when referring to the act of registration. This is more in line with the verb rules we use in many cases. It makes sense for us to use this because it shows that we are choosing to enter our details “in” a system of some kind.
“Register in” works well when we want to be part of a specific service.
Most registration clauses require us to fill in our details. Our details usually go “in” a service or database, which is why “register in” works well.
- Are you still registered in the course? I don’t see your name listed anywhere.
- I’m not going to register in this state. I don’t think it’s wise for anyone to see me like this.
- Will you register in the next semester? I think it will be good to see what happens.
- I want to register in the list, but I don’t think I’ll belong as a member of this class.
- Let’s register in this together! It’s going to be more fun if we can get through it with each other.
What Does “Register At” Mean?
“Register at” is more specific. We use it to refer to signing up at a specific place or time. It works when we have been told that a specific thing needs to happen when we register.
For example, there might be a building that accepts registration that we need to go to. Alternatively, we might only be able to register “at night” and not “in the morning,” depending on the service.
- I’ll have to register at the college because they only accept you to do it in person.
- You’re going to register at the hall, right? I’ll be there in the morning to get it done.
- I want to register at the university, but I don’t think they’ll take me on.
- Can we register at the same time? I’d like to see whether that’s allowed.
- You’ll have to register at dawn. We have no more space for you to do this now.
Are “Register In” And “Register At” Interchangeable?
“Register in” and “register at” are not interchangeable. We use “in” to refer to a thing that we are signing up for. It refers to the act of registration before anything else. “At” works better when referring to a specific building or time that we’re choosing to register.
Is “Register In” Or “Register At” Used The Most?
According to Google Ngram Viewer, “register in” is more popular. This is because it’s more general, meaning that it often refers to more situations. We use it in many more contexts than “register at.”
When Should I Use “Register With”?
“Register with” is correct when referring to an organization or person that you might have to be “with.” We can use it to refer to entering our details “with” a specific entity (like a college). It is interchangeable with “in” and “at” in certain situations.
- Will you register with the college? I think it’s smart to get it done ahead of the crowd.
- I’m not going to register with them. I don’t trust their system, and I think it’s better to look elsewhere.
- I can’t register with that in mind. It’s too much for me to handle, and I don’t like doing it.
- If you’re not going to register with us, then it’s better that you leave.
- I want to register with this course, but I don’t see a way for me to do it.
When Should I Use “Register On”?
“Register on” is very specific. It works best when referring to a specific day that we might choose to register. It can also work when we are registering “on” a platform (i.e. if we are registering on a website).
- I will register on the website later on. I don’t think it’s worth doing it now.
- You’ll have to register on Friday. We don’t have any spaces until then.
- He’s going to register on his own time. It’s better for him to do it that way.
- Can you register on the internet? I think it’s more enticing if you allow us to do that.
- I will not register on the website. I want to do it in person.
Do You “Register On The Website” Or “Register At The Website”?
“Register on the website” is correct. We use “on” in this case because we are always “on” websites or platforms that relate to the internet. We do not use “at” in this context because it does not allow us to show that we are online.
- Correct: I will register on the website when I have a bit more time.
- Incorrect: I am going to register at the website because the pamphlet told me to.
Do You “Register In The System” Or “Register On The System”?
“Register in the system” is more appropriate because we use “in” to refer to being inside things. It’s possible to enter your name inside “systems,” which is why it works. “Register on the system” also works when the “system” is online, since we use “on” in these cases.
- Can I register in the system right now? I think it would be good to get it done.
- I will register on the system later. It’s better that I give it some time first.
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