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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Outside school or outside of school
Hi. I need help on correctly using the phrases "outside school" and "outside of school." Which is correct for the example sentence below? Thank you in advance.
They spend a lot of time outside school/ outside of school studying for exams.
They spend a lot of time outside school/ outside of school studying for exams.
Top answer
Both are fine. 'Of' is optional, especially in less formal situations.
- Both are fine.
- 'Of' is optional, especially in less formal situations.
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8 Answers
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Both are fine. 'Of' is optional, especially in less formal situations.
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Hi. Thank you. What would be the difference if we used the phrase "outside (of) the school" with the definite article "the" before the word "school." I think we normally attach the definite article "the" before words like "school" or "church" to mean the physical facilities. Thank you in advance.
They spend a lot of time outside (of) the school studying for exams.
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They spend a lot of time outside (of) the school studying for exams.
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No difference over what I said before: the omission of 'of' is less formal.
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Thank you so much. Are you saying these are basically the same, the only difference being formal and less formal? Thank you again in advance.
They spend a lot of time 1) outside school/ 2) outside of school 3) outside of the school studying for exams.
They spend a lot of time 1) outside school/ 2) outside of school 3) outside of the school studying for exams.
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They spend a lot of time 1) outside school 2) outside of school studying for exams.
They study when they are not attending classes and not during normal school hours, such as in the evenings or weekends.
I prefer "outside of school."
They spend a lot of time 1) outside the school 2) outside of the school studying for exams.
They study when they are not attending classes and not during normal school hours, such as in the evenings or weekends.
I prefer "outside of school."
They spend a lot of time 1) outside the school 2) outside of the school studying for exams.
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They spend a lot of time 1) outside school/ 2) outside of school 3) outside of the school 4) outside the school studying for exams.
To me, these all have essentially the same intention. In 1 and 2, 'school' might refer to the activity of classes while in 3 and 4 it refers to the building or its grounds — but not necessarily outdoors! At home, per
To me, these all have essentially the same intention. In 1 and 2, 'school' might refer to the activity of classes while in 3 and 4 it refers to the building or its grounds — but not necessarily outdoors! At home, per
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I came across this question when I read the Lord of the Flies. I then noticed that the author used both phrases. As I found out it does not make much difference. By the way, I highly recommend reading this book. I was very impressed with this story. It really shows the whole essence of society. And this book has revealed many problems of modern humanity. Many thanks to the author for this.
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