1

What is the difference between the following?

[ I am on a bus] Could you stop by/at/on/in 23rd and Pine?

Improve this question

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

"Stop at" is a definitive stop, with the emphasis on a particular location; this is the most appropriate usage for the bus making a stop.

When used as a verb "stop by" connotes a brief pauses, and usually implies continued motion after the pause. "By" could also be used as a synonym of "near", as in "Stop by (near) the intersection", with a meaning more similar to "stop at". The difference here is subtle and usually requires more context to distinguish.

"Stop on" and "stop in" wouldn't apply here. "Stop on" might refer to stopping in a bounded or contained region (a chess piece might "stop on" a square), "stop in" is generally used for a person visiting another person, often in a building or other closed structure (ex: "Stop in after work, I'd love to see you.")

Improve this answer
2
  • What about 'stop with'? Like, could you stop with the courtyards?
    – Noah
    Commented May 2, 2012 at 13:39
  • No, but you could stop with the brake pedal.
    – Kaz Dragon
    Commented Oct 18, 2012 at 13:18
1

You have to use at or by there. One stops at the intersection of 23rd and Pine. The others don’t work in the bus context. You would use at to mean exactly there and use by to mean anywhere close.

It could also be “It’s on 23rd at Pine,” but that’s different.

You could never use in.

Improve this answer
2
  • 4
    British English: "It's in Regent Street," and "Does this bus stop in Oxford Street?" are perfectly correct (although the American on is becoming more common).
    – Andrew Leach ♦
    Commented May 2, 2012 at 6:38
  • @AndrewLeach- What does stop with mean?
    – Noah
    Commented May 8, 2012 at 9:59

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .