A2 noun Neutral #318 most common

course

/kɔːrs/

A series of lessons or lectures on a specific subject, typically leading to a qualification. It can also refer to a specific direction or path that someone or something follows, or one part of a multi-part meal.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I am taking an English course to improve my speaking skills.

I am taking an English course to improve my speaking skills.

2

The university requires students to complete this introductory course before graduation.

The university requires students to complete this introductory course before graduation.

3

I'm thinking about signing up for that photography course you mentioned.

I'm thinking about signing up for that photography course you mentioned.

Word Family

Noun
course
Verb
course
Related
coursework
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'racecourse'. It is a path with a start and a finish line, just like an educational course has a beginning and an end.

Quick Quiz

She decided to ____ an online course to learn how to code.

Correct!

The correct answer is: take

Examples

1

I am taking an English course to improve my speaking skills.

everyday

I am taking an English course to improve my speaking skills.

2

The university requires students to complete this introductory course before graduation.

formal

The university requires students to complete this introductory course before graduation.

3

I'm thinking about signing up for that photography course you mentioned.

informal

I'm thinking about signing up for that photography course you mentioned.

4

The academic course explores the historical developments of the 19th century.

academic

The academic course explores the historical developments of the 19th century.

5

Management has organized a training course on new software for all staff members.

business

Management has organized a training course on new software for all staff members.

Word Family

Noun
course
Verb
course
Related
coursework

Common Collocations

take a course to participate in a series of lessons
online course a series of lessons conducted over the internet
main course the primary part of a meal
crash course a short, intensive training session
complete a course to finish all requirements for a set of lessons

Common Phrases

of course

certainly or naturally

in the course of

during the period of

matter of course

something that is expected as a natural result

Often Confused With

course vs coarse

Coarse is an adjective meaning rough in texture, while course is a noun meaning a path or series of lessons.

course vs cause

Cause refers to the reason something happens, which sounds slightly similar but has a different vowel sound.

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Usage Notes

When referring to education, use the verbs 'take', 'do', or 'enroll in' with the word course. In the context of food, a 'three-course meal' usually includes an appetizer, a main dish, and a dessert.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'make a course' when they mean 'take a course' or 'do a course'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'racecourse'. It is a path with a start and a finish line, just like an educational course has a beginning and an end.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'cursus', meaning 'a running, a race, or a journey'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one course, two courses Commonly followed by 'in' + subject (e.g., a course in biology) Can be used as a compound noun (e.g., golf course, training course)
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Cultural Context

In the UK, 'course' often refers to the entire degree program, whereas in the US, it usually refers to a single class within a program.

Quick Quiz

She decided to ____ an online course to learn how to code.

Correct!

The correct answer is: take

Related Words

proceed

C1

The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.

individual

C1

Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.

appropriately

B2

To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.

region

B2

A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.

resource

B2

A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

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