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at school vs in the school

Both 'at school' and 'in the school' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'At school' is used to refer to the general idea of being present at a school, while 'in the school' is used to talk about being inside the physical building of a school.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1740 views

at school

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate being present at a school.

Use 'at school' to talk about activities or events that happen while you are present at a school. It indicates the general idea of being at the school location.

Examples:

  • I study at school every day.
  • She plays basketball at school.
  • What time do you arrive at school?
  • The students are having a party at school.
  • He forgot his lunch at school.
  • There's nothing important at school today anyways.
  • Jonah Greenbaum ate a caterpillar at school.
  • He was a skinny kid who snapped and stabbed a bully at school.
  • Probably started a magazine at school.
  • I pity the boys at school.
  • She said she was stuck at school.
  • They learned about diabetes at school today.
  • Jeff had vaccination day at school yesterday.
  • Your behavior at school today was unacceptable.
  • So what we learned at school is...
  • Vitus should be at school not kindergarten.
  • No, you may not approach Kathy at school or anywhere else.
  • I'm raising money to have more bunnies at school.
  • There was a mother's day lunch at school.
  • I'm getting a medal at school because I put out a fire.
  • You see him at school every day anyway.
  • She said you left it at school.
  • Eric needs to be picked up at school.
  • You were never like this at school.
  • Then I dropped Alice off at school.

Alternatives:

  • in school
  • during school hours
  • on the school premises
  • while at school
  • at the educational institution

in the school

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English. It is used to refer to being inside the physical building of a school.

Use 'in the school' when you want to specifically talk about being inside the school building. It is more specific than 'at school' and refers to a physical location.

Examples:

  • The principal is in the school today.
  • The books are kept in the school library.
  • There is a meeting in the school gym.
  • The students are not allowed in the school after hours.
  • She left her bag in the school cafeteria.
  • Mar 26, 2020 ... Considering inequalities in the school closure response to COVID-19 ... As COVID-19 is declared a pandemic and several countries declare ...
  • Sep 27, 2016 ... ... important updates to requirements related to accommodating children with disabilities participating in the school meal programs.
  • ... he entered "late in the school year", and he left in June 2005. ... In the school shooting, police say Lanza's rifle used numerous 30-round magazines.
  • Apr 25, 2017 ... This Question and Answer (Q&A) memorandum is designed to provide practical guidance related to accommodating disabilities in the school meal ...
  • Two Osceola County graduates are now teaching their own classes in the school district. See how a local partnership has prepared them for their dream careers.
  • ... test-based strategy, people should continue to wear a well-fitting mask or respirator in the school or ECE setting until testing criteria have been met.
  • Oct 12, 2022 ... You stay enrolled in the school without a break (following the school's policy), and; You have money left in your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
  • Dec 7, 2022 ... She attempted to misdirect Lanza by telling him that her class was in the school's auditorium on the other side of the building.

Alternatives:

  • inside the school
  • within the school
  • within the school building
  • within the educational institution
  • inside the school premises

Related Comparisons

i'm in the school vs I'm at school the results in using vs the results of using the opportunity of using vs the opportunity in using Work at the school vs Work in the school walk in school vs walk in the school i'm in the school vs i'm at the school

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