sent to school

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sent to school" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone being enrolled or directed to attend school, often by a parent or guardian. Example: "She was sent to school at a young age to start her education." Alternative expressions include "taken to school" and "enrolled in school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But she was not sent to school".

The Guardian - Books

The boys are fed, sheltered, clothed, and sent to school.

The New Yorker

In 1949, when he was 15 years old, Dibango was sent to school in France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was sent to school in Jerusalem at 12 and ordained as a priest in 1939.

The New York Times

Few boys in south Sudan are sent to school, and even fewer girls.

The Guardian

The Boys were sent to school in England at 8 and the Girls at 13.

The New Yorker

He was sent to school here from London at the age of 11.

The Guardian - Travel

"Children should be sent to school on proper scholarships, and learn income-generating skills.

The Guardian

Middlemen buy from parents, or persuade them that the children will be sent to school or get well-paid jobs.

The Economist

Hundreds of school children over the age of five are being sent to school wearing nappies, a major survey suggests.

Independent

So was my brother, and he was so terrorised he was sent to school in another town.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "sent to school", ensure the context clearly indicates who is responsible for the action of sending and the purpose behind it. For example, "He was sent to school by his parents to receive a formal education".

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses that might obscure the meaning. For instance, using "send to school" instead of "sent to school" when referring to a past action can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sent to school" is a passive construction, indicating that someone (the subject) received the action of being sent. This structure typically implies an external agent performing the action. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sent to school" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes the action of someone being directed or enabled to receive education. Ludwig provides ample evidence of its correct usage in diverse contexts, predominantly in news, encyclopedias and scientific publications. The phrase maintains a neutral register, fitting well in both casual and formal communication. To ensure clarity, remember to use the correct tense and consider the context in which the action occurs. Based on Ludwig AI, this makes it versatile and reliable for expressing the commencement of the educational process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enrolled in school

Focuses on the act of formally registering a student.

matriculated at school

Emphasizes the formal admission to an academic institution.

started attending school

Highlights the commencement of regular school attendance.

placed in education

Suggests assignment or enrollment within the educational system.

entered the school system

Focuses on the initiation into the formal structure of schooling.

began schooling

Highlights the beginning of one's education process.

received education

Focuses on the act of getting an education.

given schooling

Emphasizes the provision of educational opportunities.

educated at a school

Highlights the place of education.

instructed at school

Focuses on the specific place instructions are provided.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "sent to school"?

You can use alternatives such as "enrolled in school", "matriculated at school", or "started attending school" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "sent to school" and "taken to school"?

"Sent to school" implies an action of directing or enrolling someone in school, while "taken to school" suggests the physical act of accompanying someone to school.

Is it correct to say "send to school" instead of "sent to school"?

No, "send to school" is the present tense form, while "sent to school" is the past participle. Use "sent" when referring to a past action.

In what contexts is "sent to school" commonly used?

The phrase "sent to school" is commonly used in discussing childhood education, historical contexts of schooling, and comparing educational opportunities across different demographics.