ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in school

prep. phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

prep. phr.. This phrase means you are currently a student, attending classes at a school, college, or university.

prep. phr.. Indicates the state of being enrolled as a student at an educational institution, rather than simply being physically present in the building.


SIMPLE

My younger sister is still in school.

CONTEXTUAL

He can't work full-time because he's still in school studying to be an engineer.

COMPLEX

Although already a celebrated musician, she chose to remain in school to complete her degree in music theory, valuing formal education above early fame.

Usage

Used without an article ('a' or 'the') to describe the general state or activity of being a student.

Teaching tip

Contrast 'in school' (the state of being a student) with 'at school' (the general location) and 'in the school' (inside a specific building).

Pitfall

She is in a school.She is in school.When describing the general state of being a student, no article ('a' or 'the') is used before 'school'.

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