If we say A is (in the) east of B, is it the same as is in the sentence "A is to the east of B"?Thank you.
(Not a teacher)
A is in the east of B (if A is located within B, i.e. A is an integral part of B)
For example:
Japan is (in the) east of Asia.
Italy is (in the) south of Europe.
A is to the east of B (if A is located outside B, i.e. A is not an integral part of B)
For example:
Japan lies (to the) east of China.
France lies (to the) east of England.