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Lucas Cardoso Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

In school vs at school

Hello everyone,


I've noticed that there's a clear distinction between the terms "in school" and "at school" both in AmE and BrE.

If I say:


I) My kid is in school (in BrE would convey the idea that RIGHT NOW he's inside the building probably in a classroom, right?)

II) My kid is at school (in BrE would convey the idea that RIGHT NOW he's inside the school premises, not necessarily in a classroom, right?)


But when it comes to AmE, if I say:


III) Rachel is still in school, that's why she's not working (she's taking her Law Degree, for example)

IV) Rachel is at school (right now, she's studying at a school or university)


Please, correct me if I misunderstood those differences since I'm Brazilian and therefore I don't hold the same cultural background and day-to-day experience as you guys.

What if I meant to say, in Bre, that I'm currently enrolled at an educational institution, thus I'm not working as a consequence of time deprivation, just like the above-cited sentence number 3?


Thanks in advance!!

  

Top answer

Lucas Cardoso I've noticed that there's a clear distinction between the terms "in school" and "at school" both in AmE and BrE. Not really. It is more an artificial argument among grammarians.

— Mister Micawber

  • Lucas Cardoso I've noticed that there's a clear distinction between the terms "in school" and "at school" both in AmE and BrE.
  • Not really.
  • It is more an artificial argument among grammarians.
  • Context will either make them synonymous or display their possible differences.
  • though it might.
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2 Answers
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Lucas CardosoI've noticed that there's a clear distinction between the terms "in school" and "at school" both in AmE and BrE.

Not really. It is more an artificial argument among grammarians. Context will either make them synonymous or display their possible differences.

Lucas CardosoIf I say:I) My kid is in school (in BrE would
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Lucas CardosoI) My kid is in school (in BrE would convey the idea that RIGHT NOW he's inside the building probably in a classroom, right?)

They could be doing any of their activities in any part of their school. They could be in a school gym or a playground for example.

Lucas CardosoII) My kid is at school (in BrE would convey th
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