Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Blossom]

What is the difference between "stay in" and "stay at"?

For example: "Stay in your classroom""stay in hospital" or "I stayed at a motel" What is the difference?

[Piotr]

The Brits say "Stay in hospital", US is "Stay in the hospital. Several other differences are known, as BR "take a decision", US "make a decision".

[elliot]

Ok, this can be tricky.

Quite often you can use both.

However, I would suggest you use "stay at" when meaning an actual place.
Example. I will stay at home.

Also, "stay in" is usually used when meaning an object or thing.
Example. I will stay in bed today.
But also when meaning you remain in some area.
I will stay in Beijing for a week.


Hope that helps.
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