New2grammar  +  318914 Tue, 23 Jan 07 04:42 PM Bob is in the hospital => means Bob is hospitalized. Bob is in college => means Bob is studying in a university Bob is in (the) office => Does this sentence need a definite article to imply Bob is working in his office? I know 'his office' will do just fine but I am interested to know how 'the' is used in this case. New2grammar Joined on Tue, Nov 21 2006 Veteran Member 7,676 Who wants to go sailing around the world with me? Articles, Universities, Definite Articles

	nona the brit  +  318917 Tue, 23 Jan 07 04:44 PM Yes, office needs an article. nona the brit Joined on Wed, Sep 22 2004 England Veteran Member 11,713 The name says it all.

	New2grammar  +  318922 Tue, 23 Jan 07 04:55 PM If the preposition 'in' is changed to 'into', does that change the need for a definite article? For example, Our economy since I have come into office has turned around The Prime Minster had been very focussed on this issue since the Government had come into office in 1997. New2grammar Articles, Prepositions, Definite Articles

	Lil' Ruby Rose  +  318936 Tue, 23 Jan 07 05:40 PM This is a slightly different meaning of the word office.  In this context, to be in office (or to come into office) means to hold a position in government. If one is talking about being located in one's own place of employment, one would say "I'm in the office". Lil' Ruby Rose Joined on Wed, Dec 20 2006 Regular Member 879 Enlightenment is always preceded by confusion.