In/at

Question

Which option will be the correct one?1. My friends and I often reminisce about our days as students at Washington high school.2. My friends and I often reminisce about our days as students in Washington high school.Thanks.

LouiseT · Accepted Answer

They are both correct.

You can say "at" or "in" high school.

ShaNap · Answer

Is it different from University?

I know that saying at the university is correct but saying in the university will be wrong.

Example: "I study at Harvard University" (I don't) and not "I study in Harvard University."

It is not the same concept of location?

I've been also told that when we use a location within a location first I have to use "in" and the small location (which is located in the big one) will be approached with the help of "at".

Example: I study in America at the University of the big books and the small people.

Is it correct?

LouiseT · Answer

Interesting question.

It does sound wrong with university.

"In" should be used if the type of school in general is referred to, so in your first example "in high school" is correct. "At" should be used if one specific school is referred to, so in the second example you should say "at Harvard University." However many people say "in Washington high school" when talking about time spent there rather than activities.

I studied at Washington high school. "In" would not work in this sentence.

If you refer to "the university" or "the high school," it is understood that a particular high school or university is understood and so "at" should be used.
If you said "a high school" or "a university," it is still be understood that this refers to one high school or university, even though which particular one is not identified, and "at" would still be appropriate.

There are differences between British and American English. Also as is the case with many prepositions in English, it depends a lot on the object of the preposition and the general meaning or subject of the sentence.

LouiseT · Answer

ShaNapExample: I study in America at the University of the big books and the small people.
Is it correct?

Yes this is correct.

Sorry I missed this in my previous post.

ShaNap · Answer

Thanks, I'll have to find the time and look into your answer.

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