"in the hospital" vs "in hospital"

Question

"in the hospital" vs "in hospital"

Both "in the hospital" and "in hospital" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "In the hospital" is used when referring to a specific hospital, while "in hospital" is more commonly used in British English to refer to being admitted to any hospital without specifying a particular one.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

Use "in the hospital" when you want to specify a particular hospital where someone is located or receiving treatment.

Examples:

She is currently in the hospital for surgery.
I visited my friend in the hospital yesterday.
The children's ward in the hospital is brightly decorated.
He works as a nurse in the hospital.
The cafeteria in the hospital serves good food.

Alternatives:

at the hospital
at a hospital
at hospital
in a hospital
within the hospital

Use "in hospital" when talking about someone being admitted to a hospital in general, without mentioning a specific hospital.

Examples:

She was in hospital for a week after the accident.
He works as a doctor and often sees patients in hospital.
In hospital, patients receive round-the-clock care.
The policy covers all medical expenses incurred in hospital.
Being in hospital can be a stressful experience.

Alternatives:

in a hospital
at the hospital
at hospital
within the hospital
receiving hospital treatment

Answer 1

in the hospital

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific hospital.

Answer 2

in hospital

This phrase is correct, especially in British English, when referring to being admitted to any hospital without specifying a particular one.

"in the hospital" vs "in hospital"

in the hospital

in hospital

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