He is at school vs He is in school

Both phrases are correct and are commonly used in English. The choice between them depends on the context. "He is at school" implies a specific location within the school, such as a classroom or the school grounds. On the other hand, "he is in school" suggests a more general presence within the school building.

Explained by Miss E.
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Last updated: February 19, 2025 • 6610 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"He is at school "

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is physically present at a specific location within the school, such as a classroom or the school grounds.

Examples:

He is at school right now, attending his math class.
I will meet you at school after my soccer practice.

Show examples from the web [+]

Hi Mariyka, In this sense 'at' or 'in' don't really matter and both are used, but if you want to say where one is at the moment, you would say: He is at school.
Apr 28, 2005 ... And "He is at school" to mean he is there right now. : : I have to second ESC as to American usage. He is "in school" can be used to mean he's ...
Dec 13, 2011 ... At is used to show the place where somebody is: He is at school means this is his current location. If you want to say that somebody attends ...
May 7, 2012 ... He is enrolled in the school. - He is a student. He is at school. - He might be a student OR a teacher, but he is on the premises at this moment.

Alternatives:

He is at the school gate waiting for you.
She is at school participating in the science fair.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"He is in school"

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is physically present within the school building in a general sense, without specifying a particular location.

Examples:

He is in school today, but he will be absent tomorrow.
She is in school studying for her exams.

Show examples from the web [+]

He is in school. (He is in the building of the school) He teaches at a school. Is not uncommon and correct to write and so is the other approach. I hope this helps.
Apr 28, 2005 ... But I have heard people say, "He is in school" to mean he is enrolled. He hasn't graduated or left school. And "He is at school" to mean he is ...
May 7, 2012 ... School: He is in school. - He is a student; specific time does not matter. Perhaps it's Friday night and he's partying right now. He is in the school.
from the job he is in school to do: help children whose difficulties are interfering with their schoolwork. Moreover, what- ever the child's problems, help at school.

Alternatives:

He is inside the school building.
She is within the school premises.

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He is at school vs He is in school

"He is at school "

"He is in school"

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