In or At School

Which One Should Be Used?

Both 'at school' and 'in school' are correct and can be used, but their meanings are different. 'At school' refers to the physical state of the subject while 'in school' refers to the social status of the subject.

In school

'In school' often refers to the time when a person is actively attending classes and studying as a student. It can also mean the period of time when someone is enrolled in a specific academic program or institution. For example:

Example

My daughter is still in school.

Here, the subject is still a student. They may or may not be physically in school at the moment of speaking.

I met my husband when I was in school.

Here, the subject describes an event that happened in the past, when they were still a student.

At school

'At school' often refers to the physical location of a school, or to a more general idea of being present in a school environment. It can also be used to describe a person's job or role within a school. For example:

Example

My daughter is still at school.

Here, is physically inside the school building.

I met my husband when I was at school.

Here, the subject describes an event that happened when they were physically at the school building or grounds.

Quiz:

Which sentence uses 'in school' correctly?

She was in school yesterday to pick up her books.

My sister started working as a teacher when she was still in school.

Which sentence shows the correct use of 'at school'?

My son is still at school; he’s attending classes today.

I studied biology while I was at school last year.

Which sentence correctly uses 'at school'?

I'm currently at school, studying fine arts.

I left my backpack at school yesterday.

She is at school to finish her degree in literature.

My son was in school when I called him.

Sort the words to form a sentence that correctly uses 'in school':

yesterday

school

was

Fill out the blank with the correct preposition based on the context of the sentence,

I forgot my notebook

school and had to go back to get it.

My son forgot his jacket

school and I had to pick it up for him.

She decided to become a teacher while she was still

school.

The students are still

school and will leave after the bell rings.

I met my best friend when I was

school during my high school years.

Match the scrambled parts of each sentence to form correct sentences.

While she was

He forgot his notebook

My daughter is still

at school and had to go back for it.

in school and has to prepare for exams.

in school she decided to study biology.

Comments

(14)

Vedha Sivashankar

Apr 2025

Good analysis

Genovaitė

Apr 2025

good

Marija

Apr 2025

Great explanation.

Surafel Ayele Tebabal

Apr 2025

That was great

Asha Rani

Sep 2024

At and in, both preposition are used in slightly different manners I.e at is used to state when someone is directing you for his present destination or location and in is used when someone is involved in any of the activities like studying or teaching.

Now it's more interesting

Sep 2024

What about using "the" before "school" for both "in" and "at"? How will it change the meaning?

View 1 ReplyShow

Langeek

Sep 2024

Without "the" (in school/at school): Refers to the general concept of being a student or attending classes. With "the" (in the school/at the school): Refers to the specific physical location of a particular school building or grounds.

A.P.Durai P

Jul 2024

Very nice teaching

Jul 2024

Good

haha

Oct 2023

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/pl/grammar/british-grammar/at-on-and-in-place She always did well at school. this happens to contradict this website...

View 1 ReplyShow

Langeek

Oct 2023

In the sentence "She always did well at school": "At" and "in" are both correct. "At" emphasizes her overall performance and experience as a 'student'. "In" emphasizes her academic achievements and grades. You can use either based on your preference.

Alireza Vatandoost

Jul 2023

It was really good Article.

khashayar

Jun 2023

That's nice. Thank you very much.

thiago

Jan 2023

very good !

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In or At School

Which One Should Be Used?

In school

At school

Quiz:

Comments

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