In hospital or in a hospital

Question

Hi. I think the version with the phrase "in hospital" sounds correct since the context calls for a general (contextual) use of the word "hospital" but what do you think about the phrase "a hospital" with the sentence?

When you have an operation, you get a deceased part removed in hospital (a hospital?).

I think it is similar to this:

He ordered pizza.

He ordered a pizza.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Generally speaking, I agree with you.

When you have an operation, you get a deceased part removed in hospital (a hospital?).

I think you mean 'diseased', and not 'deceased'.

'Deceased' applies to an entire person.

But note that some operations do not involve diseased parts, eg an operation to fix a badly broken leg.

Best wishes, Clive

Anonymous · Answer

Hi. Thank you, but what is your answer. Or did you answer my question already, but I didn't seem to have found it. Do you think "a hospital" correct? Thank you for correcting the spelling.

The sentence in reference:

When you have an operation, you get a deceased part removed in hospital (a hospital?).

Khoff · Answer

"In hospital" may be perfectly fine in British and Canadian English, but in the U.S. we would say "in a hospital" (general) or "in the hospital"  (specific).  For a general statement you could also say "in hospitals."  Operations are performed in hospitals.  An operation is performed in a hospital.  John is in the hospital for an operation.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Thank you, but what is your answer.

I said 'I agree with you'.

Where I live, 'in hospital' is the normal expression in such a context.

Best wishes, Clive

In hospital or in a hospital

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