[Grammar] in a university or in university

[davidtrinh]

I am going to make up a few sentences with the word, university.

(1a) Two years ago, Tom went to (a) university to take a business program.

(1b) Two years ago, Tom took a business program in (a) university.

(2) Jane is looking for a teaching position in (a) university.

(3) Mark is currently teaching in (a) university.

I am not sure if I need the indefinite article in all my sentences above. Please help me. Thanks a lot.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

In American English, you need the a in all your examples. The British might not use it. Let's see what they say.

 

[probus]

Strongly disagree that the "a" is needed in 1 a or b.

And I am no Brit. My native language is AmE.

Just substitute college for university, as Americans so often do, and you will feel better about it.

I went to college (university) to get my MBA. She went to college (university) to better herself.

 

[GoesStation]

1a and b need the indefinite article for this AmE speaker.

 

[bubbha]

"in university", "to university", "from university" and "at university" are common in UK and Canadian English, but not in American English. In AmE we need an article. However, Americans say "in college", etc.