Hi everyone,
Which usage is correct "at school" or "at the school"?
If they are both correct, what is the difference? As far as I understand If we mean a part of a building, we say "at the university laboratory", "at the hospital cafe" or "at the school office". However, my question is if I should say " He works at hotel/ at the hotel", "I arrived at school/ at the school", "She studies at university/ at the university".
Thanks,
Which usage is correct "at school" or "at the school"?
If they are both correct, what is the difference? As far as I understand If we mean a part of a building, we say "at the university laboratory", "at the hospital cafe" or "at the school office". However, my question is if I should say " He works at hotel/ at the hotel", "I arrived at school/ at the school", "She studies at university/ at the university".
Thanks,
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Comments
"A school" could be any school, "the school" is a particular school that you have already talked about, or that you and the listener know is being spoken about.
Mother: Where are you going?
Child: I am going to school.
PS: I might be wrong with this example:)
See difference between In and At?
Only a limited number of nouns can go directly after at without an article.
at school, at church, at play, at work, at lunch, ..., but not at hotel, at restaurant, at bank, for example.
CJ
If you do any kind of service in the church, I think you ought to/should ...
Also, I am sorry but could you help me with this, too? Should it be the phrase "the animals" or the word "animals" for the following question? The answer should be "God." Thank you for your help in advance.
Who made the animals (or just "animals"?)?
The church is a building or location for the service, such as a wedding.
Who made the animals?
This is the most natural question - it refers to distinct species that people would call "animals" - lions, tigers, elephants, monkeys, impala, opossums, etc.
1. Who made insects?
2. Who made the insects?
MY ANSEWR MIGHT GO OFF A LITTLE FROM FORMAL TECHING, AS I USUALLY GO AFTER PATTERNS AND THE PATTERN THAT SEEMS TO POP UP IS THAT IF THE NOUN YOU TALK ABOUT IS A RATHER ATTACHED PLACE/ACTIVITY (ATTACHED TO THE SPEAKER THAT IS) OR IS IT HABITUAL, AND HAS A SENSE OF BELONGING, THEN YOU DONT HAVE THE NEED FOR THE DEFINITE ARTICLE. eg: at home, at school, at work.
ON THE OTHER HAND THERE ARE THE NOUNS (PLACES) WHICH ARE MORE DETACHED, LESS HABITUAL AN HAVE LITTLE OR NO SENSE OF BELONGING, THEY DO REQUIRE THE DEFINITE ARTICLE. eg: at the market, at the shop, at the gym... AND SO ON, IF I´M WRONG PLEASE DO CORRECT ME.