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Vincent Teo Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

going to church

Can I say,

They are going to the church ever Sunday.

Ali brings his family to the church every Sunday.

They go to the church every Sunday.
  

Top answer

Hi, Can I say, They are going to the church every Sunday. Ali brings his family to the church every Sunday. They go to the church every Sunday.

— Clive

  • Hi, Can I say, They are going to the church every Sunday.
  • Ali brings his family to the church every Sunday.
  • They go to the church every Sunday.
  • Say 'the church' if you are thinking of one particular building (eg 'the church at the end of the road').
  • Otherwise, omit the article.
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5 Answers
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Hi,
Can I say,

They are going to the church every Sunday.

Ali brings his family to the church every Sunday.

They go to the church every Sunday.

Say 'the church' if you are thinking of one particular building (eg 'the church at the end of the road'). Otherwise, omit the article.

It's like He goes to school / he goes to the school
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Can I say,

The family go to church every Sunday.
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Hi,
Yes, you can.
You can also say 'The family go to the church every Sunday'.
Clive
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Hi, Clive.

Some grammars say "go to the school / church" is used if you go to such places for some other purpose. So "They go to church every Sunday" means "They go there to pray.", but "They go to the church every Sunday." means "They go there not to pray, but for some other purpose". Do you agree with this?
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Hi,
Yes. That''s basically what I explained a few posts earlier in this thread. It's like 'school' versus 'the school'.

Vincent didn't tell us what he meant. He always just asks, 'Can I say this?'

Best wishes, Clive
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