Getting in the patrol/patrol car

Question

Hi! I want to say "él se está subiendo a la patrulla" and I wonder if just okey writing He's getting in the patrol or if it's mandatory "patrol car".

Answer 1

Hi, Tony.

Yes, you need to say "car" to be clear that there is a car involved because "patrol" can be a verb and means different things.

He's getting in the patrol car.

Answer 2

In my opinion, He's getting in the patrol, does not work.

I suggest you must say, "He's getting in the patrol car."

In the second sentence it's clearer that 'car' is the noun and 'patrol' is the adjective that describes the noun.

In the first sentence, 'patrol' should not be used as a noun because the noun 'patrol' refers to one or more persons who carry out the action of patrolling as in a military patrol. While the police may be on patrol in a car, it is not the car which is the patrol.

Muchos saludos/Best regards,

Moe