"i was in school" vs "i was at school"

Question

"i was in school" vs "i was at school"

Both 'I was at school' and 'I was in school' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I was at school' is used to indicate physical presence at the school location, while 'I was in school' is used to refer to being enrolled as a student or attending classes.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

Use 'I was in school' to indicate that you were enrolled as a student or attending classes. It refers to the period of time spent as a student.

Examples:

I was in school when I heard the news.
She was in school for six years before graduating.
He was in school all day yesterday.

Alternatives:

I was a student
I was attending classes
I was studying
I was enrolled in school
I was in class

Use 'I was at school' to express that you were physically present at the school location. It implies being inside the school premises.

Examples:

I was at school when the fire alarm went off.
She forgot her lunchbox at home and had to go back while I was at school.
He left his backpack in the classroom when he was at school.

Alternatives:

I was at the school
I was present at school
I was in the school building
I was on the school premises
I was on campus

Answer 1

i was in school

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to being enrolled as a student or attending classes.

Answer 2

i was at school

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate physical presence at the school location.

"i was in school" vs "i was at school"

i was in school

i was at school

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