"in the school" vs "At the school"

Question

"in the school" vs "At the school"

Both 'in the school' and 'at the school' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the school' is used when referring to being physically inside the building, while 'at the school' is used when referring to being on the school premises or in the vicinity of the school.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

Use 'in the school' when talking about being inside the school building. It indicates a specific location within the school premises.

Examples:

The students are in the school library.
I left my bag in the school office.
There is a meeting in the school auditorium.
She works in the school cafeteria.
The principal is in the school gym.

Alternatives:

inside the school
within the school
within the school building
within the school premises
inside the school building

Use 'at the school' when talking about being on the school premises or in the vicinity of the school. It indicates a general location related to the school.

Examples:

There is a parent-teacher meeting at the school.
The students are playing soccer at the school field.
She works part-time at the school.
There is a new playground at the school.
The event will take place at the school.

Alternatives:

near the school
on the school premises
around the school
by the school
close to the school

Answer 1

in the school

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to being physically inside the school building.

Answer 2

At the school

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to being on the school premises or in the vicinity of the school.

"in the school" vs "At the school"

in the school

At the school

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