The phrasal verb "arrive at" is generally used in both informal and formal contexts, though it leans slightly more towards the latter due to its specificity and precision. In informal language, it might be replaced with simpler terms like "come to" or "get to," but "arrive at" maintains a clear and respectful tone that is often suitable for both casual and professional discourse. This phrasal verb is commonly utilized when discussing the conclusion of a journey to a specific location or the reaching of a decision or agreement after consideration. For example, one might say "We arrived at the airport" or "After much discussion, we arrived at a consensus." The usage patterns are quite versatile, as "arrive at" can pertain to both physical journeys and metaphorical conclusions, making it a valuable tool in both narrative and expository contexts.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To reach a place, especially after traveling.
After a long journey, we finally arrived at the hotel.
They arrived at the concert just as it was starting.
2. To reach a decision or conclusion after careful thought.
The committee arrived at a unanimous decision after hours of discussion.
After much consideration, she arrived at the conclusion that it was best to change jobs.