class

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "class" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as referring to a group of students, a category of things, or a social division. Example: "The biology class will meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 AM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Pure class.

The Guardian - Music

"Business class.

The Guardian

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award-winning Guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The Guardian

"Over recent decades, technological change, globalization and an erosion of the institutions and practices that support shared prosperity in the U.S. have put the middle class under increasing stress.

The New York Times

Students can present their egg to the class and explain why they chose that species.

The Guardian

Students began a class boycott last Monday and, galvanised by a city-wide surge in support, staged a large-scale protest outside of the city government headquarters on Friday night.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Every country in the world has a right to self-defence and I'm determined to put Britain's first-class defence industry at the forefront of this market, supporting 300,000 jobs across the country".

The Guardian - Business

"I come from a working class background, it wasn't easy for me at all, backgrounded hard.

The Guardian - Sport

"I am a brown, working-class woman from the north.

The Guardian

But that's still a long way from turning these jobs into the kind of employment that can support a middle-class family.

The Economist

President Rahmon's office promises the new building will be the "most beautiful" in central Asia and will include three large concert halls, with "necessary world-class features".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "class" to refer to a social group, be mindful of the connotations and potential for misinterpretation. Consider more specific terms if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "class" as a broad, undefined term for socioeconomic status. Provide specific details to clarify the group you're referencing, such as "middle class" or "working class".

Linguistic Context

The word "class" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a group, category, or social stratum. As Ludwig examples show, it can also function as a verb, meaning to classify. Ludwig AI considers its grammatical status as correct and provides examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "class" is a versatile term with several meanings, ranging from social strata to academic groups and categories. Ludwig AI confirms that "class" is grammatically correct. As demonstrated by examples from sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, the term is frequently used in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "class", consider the specific context to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations, particularly when referring to social divisions. Choosing more specific alternatives like "category" or "social stratum" can enhance precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group

A general term for a collection of people or things.

category

Focuses on grouping items based on shared characteristics.

division

Implies a separation or categorization.

classification

Highlights the act of organizing things into groups.

social stratum

Highlights the hierarchical division of society.

socio-economic status

Specifically refers to a person's position in society based on economic and social factors.

grade level

Refers to a specific year of study in school.

elegance

Focuses on refined and stylish behavior or appearance.

course of study

Emphasizes the structured learning experience.

form

Denotes a specific group within a school or educational institution.

FAQs

How can I use "class" in a sentence?

You can use "class" to refer to a group of students ("The history class is learning about World War II"), a social division ("Social class can impact opportunities"), or a category ("This car is in a different class than the others").

What are some synonyms for "class" when referring to a category?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "category", "group", or "division".

What does "class" mean in the context of object-oriented programming?

In object-oriented programming, a "class" is a template or blueprint for creating objects. It defines the properties (attributes) and behaviors (methods) that objects of that class will have.

How does the meaning of "class" differ when referring to social status versus a school course?

When referring to social status, "class" denotes a hierarchical division of society based on factors like wealth, occupation, and education. In the context of a school course, "class" refers to a group of students meeting regularly with a teacher for instruction.