located in vs. located at

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
1

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #180 [color=blue]“Australiana: expressions that describe life in Australia”, question 5

Adelaide is … in Southern Australia and is the quintessential picture of charm with its colonial architecture.

(a) located
(b) placed
(c) established
(d) to be found

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #180 [color=blue]“Australiana: expressions that describe life in Australia”, answer 5

Adelaide is located in Southern Australia and is the quintessential picture of charm with its colonial architecture.

Correct answer: (a) located
[size=200]_________________________[/size]

Dear teachers,

Can I say “Adelaide is located at Southern Australia and …”?

Thanks in advance.

Aiken

2

‘In’ is used for an area, while ‘at’ refers to a more specific point than an entire area of land, Aikin.
There’s a subtle difference and often the two can be interchangeable, but not in this instance.

‘In’ indicates inclusion within the space;
There are lots of towns in Southern Australia.
At indicates a place occupied in a space;
I work at the most Southern point of Australia.