In the English language, the prepositions used before names and places can vary depending on the context. Generally, the preposition "in" is used before names of cities, towns, and countries, while "at" is used before names of streets, buildings, and specific locations. For example, "in New York," "at the White House," and "on 5th Avenue." This consistency in preposition usage helps to clarify the relationship between the noun and the place being described.

The reason for this pattern lies in the historical development of English grammar and the specific meanings associated with each preposition. The preposition "in" is often used to indicate location within a larger area, which aligns with its historical roots in Latin, where "in" meant "within." Similarly, "at" is used to denote a specific point or location, which is consistent with its Latin origin, "ad," meaning "to" or "toward.

Data from the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) supports this usage. In the COCA, the frequency of "in" before city names is significantly higher than "at," with "in" occurring approximately 10 times more frequently than "at" in the context of city names. This data reinforces the general rule that "in" is the preferred preposition before names of cities and countries, while "at" is more commonly used before specific locations within those cities.

For instance, in the COCA, the following examples illustrate the correct preposition usage:

in New York (city)

at the White House (building)

on 5th Avenue (street)

These examples demonstrate the consistency of preposition usage in English and the importance of adhering to these conventions for clear and effective communication.