doctors go to hospital or the hospital?

patients go to hospital ( not the hospital) . and My parents go to the hospital to visit their friend ( their friend is a patient). So what about doctor?

the same with teacher and school? police and prison-house?
Could you please tell me what is correct?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by chibi

patients go to hospital ( not the hospital) . and My parents go to the hospital to visit their friend ( their friend is a patient). So what about doctor?

the same with teacher and school? police and prison-house?
Could you please tell me what is correct?

---

Patients go to the hospital. :tick:
My parents go to the hospital to visit their friend. :tick:
The doctor works in the hospital. :tick:
The teacher works in the school. :tick:
The police visit the prison to interview inmates. :tick:

Do these examples help you?

Cheers,
Amigos4

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by amigos4

Patients go to the hospital. :tick:
My parents go to the hospital to visit their friend. :tick:
The doctor works in the hospital. :tick:
The teacher works in the school. :tick:
The police visit the prison to interview inmates. :tick:

Do these examples help you?

Cheers,
Amigos4

---

It's good to follow American English in this regard so as to avoid confusion and hesitation. Whereas we, in British English, do not use "the" with the words you mentioned above in general sense. We only use " the" when we refer to a specific place.
A comparison can be made here.
1- ( Talking about a baby) Does she go to school?(in general sense) ~ Yes, she is in...
2- My mum is at the school now to.... ( A specific place/ building)

1- His brother has been in prison for 14 years. (He's under going a punishment. It doesn't matter which prison.)
2- The Prime Minister visited the Prison last week and ... ( a specific place/ building)
Hope this helps.
Regards!