Belated reply re: "the" wife

[Mark_Mandel at DRAGONSYS.COM]

"Aaron E. Drews" <aaron at LING.ED.AC.UK> writes

>>>>>
Even if one were a college student (as opposed to a university student), one
would say "I'm at college", meaning both that "I'm a student" and "I'm
physically at the further education institution as I speak".   I can't think
of an instance when anyone would say "in university" or "in college".

(BTW, "college", in general, in the UK roughly equates to the community
college in north America, with similar services and types of
qualifications).
<<<<<

This side the pond (USA), "she's in college" means "she's a college student".
That defines her current occupation, whether or not at the moment she's
physically there or classes are in session. She may be on summer vacation half a
world away, but if she's intending to continue her studies in fall, she's in
college. You might append a clarifying disclaimer: "Not right now, of course."

At least, that's how I think I use and understand it.

-- Mark