I waited in the hotel lobby

Verbs which describe 'movement with an end': e.g. lay place sit stand do not combine with prepositions like into onto or to:

She laidthe letter onthe table

She satthe baby onthe table We can often use the verb be with prepositions that normally combine with 'movement verbs' to convey the idea of 'having reached a destination' (real or metaphorical):

At last we were into/out of the forest/over the river

At last we were out of/over our difficulties

Adverb particles reflecting movement or lack of movement

The same contrast between movement and lack of movement can also be expressed by verb + adverb particle: movement:We went away/back/inside-outside/up down position:We stayed away/back'inside/outside/up down Compare:

Where s Jim? I don t know He went out(movement)Where s Jim? - I don t know He's out(position)

Prepositions reflecting direction and destination

The difference between direction and destination can often be expressed by contrasting prepositions. The choice depends on whether we are referring to a point, a surface or an area [> 8.6].

8-9.1 'To/from a point' compared with 'at a point'[> 8.6]

To and from a point (indicating direction) may contrast with at a point (indicating destination or position after movement):

Direction to or from destination after movement

The Grand Hotel The Grand Hole'

Jim has gone to school and now he's at school

(has come from)London Airport London Airport

my brother s my brother s

To and at combine with a variety of nouns [> App 21].

Prepositions, adverb particles and phrasal verbs

8.9.2 'To/from a point' compared with 'in an area'[> 8.6]
To and from a point (indicating direction) may contrast with in an area
(indicating destination or position after movement):

Direction to or from destination after movement

the country the country

Jim has gone toParis and now he's inParis

bed bed

To and in combine with a variety of nouns [> App 22].

8.9.3 'To/from a point' compared with 'at a point/in an area'[> App 23]
With certain nouns, the destination after movement may be at or in
depending on whether the location is seen as a point or an area.