at school//in school

[belissimo]

Hello everybody,
I found in a dictionary 2 expressions:at school// in school.
At school means the time during your life when you go to school.

But can we use both when we want to say we are in a building of school?
Thanks a lot

 

[suzi br]

Hi, yes, we can use both.

I think Americans might use "in" for the past as well, but I'm not sure!

 

[belissimo]

Thanks a lot

 

[Tazzler]

Here are the shades of meaning I see:

At schools refers to more of physical location, while in school refers to more of activity carried out in the building. I might say I'm at school if I'm anywhere near the building, whether in or out, but I might say I'm in school if I am in class or doing something school-related. The difference is slight, so I'll say that they mean more or less the same. In school to me is the one I would use when referring to the time of one's life spent in school: kids are usually in school from ages 5 to 18.

 

[belissimo]

Thanks Tazzler,
so one of the meanings of "in school" is to be inside of the building.
[but I might say I'm in school if I am in class or doing something school-related)

 

[JamesM]

To me, "I'm in school" more often means "I am (enrolled) in school." "I am taking classes."

"I'm at school" refers to my physical location, generally.

 

[panjandrum]

From the FAQ list at the top of this forum:
Preposition - General questions about the use of prepositions.
Preposition at in - If you want to know more about at/in shops, schools, ...

Try preposition school