"in the staircase" vs "in the staircases"

Question

"in the staircase" vs "in the staircases"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the staircase' is used when referring to a specific staircase, while 'in the staircases' is used when talking about multiple staircases. The choice between the singular and plural form depends on whether you are talking about one specific staircase or multiple staircases.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

Use 'in the staircase' when you want to indicate that something is located within a particular staircase. It is used in singular form to refer to one specific staircase.

Examples:

The cat was hiding in the staircase.
I found a lost earring in the staircase.
There is a strange smell in the staircase.

Alternatives:

on the staircase
at the bottom of the staircase
by the staircase
under the staircase
beside the staircase

Use 'in the staircases' when you want to indicate that something is located within multiple staircases. It is used in plural form to refer to more than one staircase.

Examples:

The fire extinguishers are located in the staircases.
The emergency exits are marked in the staircases.
There are security cameras in the staircases.

Alternatives:

in the sets of stairs
within the stairwells
inside the flights of stairs
among the stairways
within the flights of steps

Answer 1

in the staircase

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific staircase.

Answer 2

in the staircases

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to multiple staircases.