ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in space

prep. phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

prep. phr.. In the area outside of Earth, where the planets and stars are.

prep. phr.. In the physical universe beyond Earth's atmosphere; in outer space.


SIMPLE

Astronauts float when they are in space.

CONTEXTUAL

The new telescope will spend the next decade in space, observing distant stars.

COMPLEX

The novel explores the profound psychological isolation of being the only human alive in space after a catastrophic event.

Usage

Used without an article ('the' or 'a') when referring to the general region beyond Earth.

Teaching tip

Contrast 'in space' (the universe) with 'in a space' (a specific empty area) to highlight the zero-article usage for this astronomical context.

Pitfall

The satellite is now in the space.The satellite is now in space.When referring to the universe beyond Earth, 'space' is used without an article like 'the'.

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