What do people commonly call a room (in a residential detached house) with a desk, a chair, a computer, pen and paper, maybe a few bookshelves, etc.? You know, a quiet place an individual generally goes alone, to read, do work/homework or use the computer.
English is not my native language, and all the usual words seem wrong somehow.
- Office sounds too professional/clerical. "Step into my office…"
- Study sounds too academic / Sherlock Holmes.
- Not enough books to be a library.
- Not enough couches to be a den.
- Not public enough to be a lounge.
- Not enough mini-fridges to be a man-cave.
- Only goes downhill from there…
I realize I'm probably overthinking this and I should just go with office, but I'm curious what everyone will think/answer.
Thanks.
Best Answer
What an excellent list! I would say either "study" or "office", depending on the intended use of the room. The former implies a bit of coziness, perhaps a comfortable chair, a place where you can relax and read a book. The latter is more businesslike, with a desk: a room where you might pay your bills or work on your taxes.
"My office" does sound a little pretentious, so I would say "the office" if context makes it clear that you are talking about a room in your house and not the place where you are employed.