"in the hospital" vs "at the hospital"

Question

"in the hospital" vs "at the hospital"

Both 'in the hospital' and 'at the hospital' are correct and commonly used phrases in English. They are interchangeable in many contexts, but 'in the hospital' may imply being physically inside the building, while 'at the hospital' can refer to being at the location or in the care of the hospital.

Last Updated: March 11, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is physically inside the hospital building receiving medical treatment or care.

Examples:

She is in the hospital recovering from surgery.
The patient's family is waiting in the hospital lobby.
He works in the hospital as a nurse.

Alternatives:

at the hospital
hospitalized
receiving treatment at the hospital
under medical care in the hospital
admitted to the hospital

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is located at the hospital or is under the care of the hospital, without specifying being physically inside the building.

Examples:

I will meet you at the hospital after work.
The doctor is at the hospital attending to patients.
She works at the hospital as a receptionist.

Alternatives:

in the hospital
hospital-bound
receiving care at the hospital
undergoing treatment at the hospital
hospitalized

Answer 1

in the hospital

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

at the hospital

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"in the hospital" vs "at the hospital"

in the hospital

at the hospital

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