How Do You Spell AT HOSPITAL?

Pronunciation: [at hˈɒspɪtə͡l] (IPA)

The correct spelling for the phrase "at hospital" can be a bit tricky, as it varies between American and British English. In American English, the correct spelling is "at the hospital," while in British English, "at hospital" is the preferred spelling. The "the" article is omitted in British English when referring to a specific hospital. In IPA phonetic transcription, the American English pronunciation is /æt ðə hɑːspɪtəl/ and the British English version is /æt ˈhɒspɪtl/.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

AT HOSPITAL Meaning and Definition

  1. "At hospital" is a phrase used to describe someone's location or a specific event happening within the confines of a hospital. It refers to the state or condition of being physically present in a healthcare facility for medical treatment, care, or consultation. When an individual is "at hospital," it means they are at a designated medical institution where medical professionals and staff work to provide healthcare services, diagnose illnesses, and treat patients.

    Typically, hospitals are equipped with various specialized departments, including emergency rooms, operating theaters, diagnostic imaging centers, and patient wards, among others. Being "at hospital" implies that an individual is either a patient receiving medical attention or a visitor accompanying someone who requires medical care.

    The term "at hospital" can also denote an event or activity taking place within the hospital premises. For instance, a meeting, training session, or community awareness campaign held in a hospital would be described as occurring "at hospital."

    Overall, the expression "at hospital" denotes the physical presence within the grounds of a hospital for medical purposes, highlighting the nature of the location and emphasizing the context of healthcare facilities, services, and events occurring within these establishments.

Etymology of AT HOSPITAL

The phrase at hospital is not an English phrase and does not have a specific etymology. Rather, it is a common error or misuse of the preposition at when referring to a hospital in certain contexts. In standard English, we use the preposition in to indicate being at a hospital. For example, we say I am in the hospital or She works in a hospital.

The use of at hospital might be influenced by other languages or certain regional dialects that use at instead of in. However, in standard English, it is considered incorrect and unnatural to say at hospital.