Use of article

Question

Should (the) be used in these:I have to be in (the) lab tomorrow morning.I have to go to (the) lab now.Please go to (the) lab.I think the sentences sound better with the article but I am not sure. Please advice.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

AnonymousShould (the) be used in these:

Yes, unless 'lab' is the informal name of the class.

Anonymous · Answer

Mister Micawber AnonymousShould (the) be used in these:Yes, unless 'lab' is the informal name of the class.

Thanks for replying. By lab I mean the laboratory. Does that mean 'class'?

Why is the article used here, but not in these:

I have to go to class or Please go to class.
I have to go to school or Please go to school.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Anonymous By lab I mean the laboratory

Of course.

Anonymous Does that mean 'class'?

If it is in a school or university, yes. It is where the practical portion of a (usually) science course is held.

AnonymousWhy is the article used here, but not in these:I have to go to class or Please go to class.I have to go to school or Please go to school.

Both 'class' and 'school' refer to the sort of location or facility, not a specific class or school building.

Anonymous · Answer

Mister MicawberIf it is in a school or university, yes.

Yes, I mean a 'lab' in a school. So the article should not be used and if it was a 'lab' where blood tests are taken, the article should not be used, right?

Mister Micawberocation or facility, not a specific class or school building.

I see. What are considered locations or facility, and not a specific class or building? How do I differentiate with other examples such as hospital, gym, toilet etc? Would you please tell me what these are considered and how to know the difference?

I am pretty sure that 'hospital' is used with the definite article, but isn't it similar to 'school' that is not used with the article?

Mister Micawber · Answer

AnonymousYes, I mean a 'lab' in a school. So the article should not be used

It is normally not if it is a course—as I said.

Anonymousand if it was a 'lab' where blood tests are taken, the article should not be used, right?

No; then I would use it.

AnonymousWhat are considered locations or facility, and not a specific class or building? How do I differentiate with other examples such as hospital, gym, toilet etc?

Context or common sense must be the source, and the words in this small class (I don't consider 'toilet' one of them) each function slightly differently.

He goes to school = He is a student
He goes to the school = He goes to the building or he is a student at that specific school mentioned.

He is in hospital = He is ill (BrE)
He is in the hospital = He is a visitor or doctor (BrE) or He is a visitor, doctor or patient (AmE).

For more detailed usage on each, you can consult a comprehensive dictionary ( http://www.onelook.com ) or learn through reading and experience.

Use of article

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions