"At the school" vs "at school"

Question

"At the school" vs "at school"

Both 'at school' and 'at the school' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'At school' is used when referring to the general concept of being at an educational institution, while 'at the school' is used when referring to a specific school that has been previously mentioned or is known to the listener.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

Use 'at the school' when referring to a specific school that has been mentioned or is known to the listener.

Examples:

I will meet you at the school gate.
The event will take place at the school auditorium.
Parents are welcome to visit us at the school.
The students are having a picnic at the school field.
The principal is at the school today.

Alternatives:

at that school
at our school
at their school
at this school
at a school nearby

Use 'at school' when talking about being present at an educational institution in a general sense.

Examples:

I study hard at school.
She plays basketball at school.
Do you have any friends at school?
What time do you usually arrive at school?
I need to buy some supplies for school.

Alternatives:

in school
during school hours
while at school
at the educational institution
at the learning center

Answer 1

At the school

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a specific school that has been previously mentioned or is known to the listener.

Answer 2

at school

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the general concept of being at an educational institution.

"At the school" vs "at school"

At the school

at school

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