Which one is correct?
"to jail" or "to the jail"?

Question

Which one is correct?
"to jail" or "to the jail"?

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Use "to jail" when referring to the action of sending someone to prison. For example, "The judge sentenced the criminal to jail."

Examples:

The judge sentenced the criminal to jail.
He was sent to jail for his crimes.
She could go to jail for stealing.
The thief was caught and sent to jail.
The suspect was taken to jail for questioning.

Alternatives:

to the jail
in jail
sent to prison
incarcerated
behind bars

Use "to the jail" when referring to a specific jail or prison location. For example, "The suspect was taken to the jail on Main Street."

Examples:

The suspect was taken to the jail on Main Street.
She visited her friend at the jail.
The prisoner escaped from the jail last night.
The police officer escorted the criminal to the jail.
He spent a night in the jail before being released.

Alternatives:

to jail
in jail
sent to prison
incarcerated
behind bars

Both "to the jail" and "to jail" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "To jail" is more commonly used and refers to the action of sending someone to prison. On the other hand, "to the jail" is less common and is used when referring to a specific jail or prison location.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024