In Class or At Class – Which Is Correct? (Helpful Examples)

In Class or At Class – Which Is Correct? (Helpful Examples)

It’s always wise to know which preposition to use before certain nouns. This article will explore the differences between “in class” and “at class.” They might seem similar, but it’s worth knowing whether there are any key differences that you need to pay attention to.

In Class or At Class – Which Is Correct?

“In class” is grammatically correct because “in” is used to announce the general location. Since “class” is not a specified location (though it’s assumed to be within a school or college), “in” makes sense. “At class” only works when the location is specified.

You will often find that “in class” works as written:

• I am in class right now. I can’t talk.

However, “at class” rarely works like this. Instead, you’ll need a word like “the” to come between the two words, which helps you to specify the location you’re referring to:

• I am at the class as we speak. Is there anything you want me to ask?

Here, “the class” allows “at” to work. “At” needs a specific location, and including “the” shows that there is a specific place.

You will find that both phrases are interchangeable, but only in one way. “In class” can mean “at class,” allowing you to be both specific and general with “in.” However, “at class” cannot be used to generally mean “in class.”

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In Class

“In class” is the best choice in most cases. It can refer to both being in a general classroom or a specific classroom. Most native speakers will use this preposition when discussing being at school or college.

“In class” is the more versatile choice of the two prepositions. It works really well in many situations, and you’ll find that most people use it over “at class.”

Here are some examples to show you how to use “in class” in a sentence:

1. I’m not in class at the moment. I haven’t had time to pack my bags to go in.
2. I’m sorry, but you shouldn’t be doing that in class. Have you learned anything?
3. I will be in class until later tonight. Do you need anything from me before that time?
4. The teacher is in class right now. We don’t want to disturb them.

5. I thought you said it could be found in class? Where is it, then?
6. We were taught a lot about the principles that work well with this situation in class.
7. She was in class when I last saw her. I’m not sure where she could have gone, though.

At Class

“At class” only works when you’re being specific about the “class” you’re in. For example, you can use it when someone knows you’re going to a class to study a subject. You should say “at the class” when you are in the current class studying that subject.

The problem with “at class” is that it doesn’t often make grammatical sense. Instead, you should place “the” between the two words to show that you’re referring to a specific class or place.

These examples will show you how to use “at class” in a sentence:

1. Will you meet me at the class the next time you’re around? I’d like to know how things are going.
2. I’m not at the class yet, but I shouldn’t be longer than five minutes! Sorry for making you wait.

3. I will be at the class until later today. If you need anything, just let me know.
4. You will arrive at the class tomorrow without arguing. That is all.
5. The teachers met at the class to discuss what they were going to do with unruly students.
6. I thought she said we needed to be at the class by this time. I don’t see her around here.

7. I’m not at the class, and I probably won’t be for the rest of the day. I’m not feeling well.

Which Is Used the Most?

According to Google Ngram Viewer, “in class” is used the most of the two prepositions. This shows that it’s much more common to use the general preposition “in” rather than being specific about the class.

For the most part, “at class” can always be replaced with “in class.” You can use “in” instead of “at” even when you’re trying to be specific. That’s why it works better, and it tends to be the more popular choice.

In Class or In the Class?

“In class” is the more general choice. “In the class” works when you are referring to a specific class or room in a building. “The” is the keyword here, as it allows you to refer to something in a more specific capacity than “in class” does.

“In the class” is synonymous with “at the class.” You can use “in the class” to show that you’re in a specific room or learning about a specific subject.

It’s best to keep “in class” for more general purposes, like just saying that you’re in a classroom (without specifying what you’re studying).

Here are some examples to show you how to make “in the class” more specific:

• I will be in the class that I mentioned later today. Will you be able to come along to see me?
• I’m not going to be in the class again. I really didn’t learn anything last time, so I don’t fancy doing that again.

• She will be in the class until four. If you want to speak to her, I suggest you go and see her before then.
• It will be in the class that we talked about yesterday. You should come along to see if it works for you.
• They wanted it to be in the class at the time, but they didn’t even arrive to find out what we did.

As you can see, “in the class” is more specific than the simple “in class.”

Final Thoughts

“In class” is the grammatically correct choice when using a preposition. “At class” works, but it is only considered correct when “the” comes between the preposition and the noun to show specificity. “In the class” is also a more suitable choice than “at the class.”

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.