classes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "classes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun to describe a particular group of people, or as a verb to refer to the act of assigning people to a certain group. Example sentence: My teacher has divided the students into three classes according to their academic performance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A blended learning model has been adopted which means all classes involve some form of online study.

The Guardian

The girls reportedly filmed the video to promote dancehall classes at a local school, Art Dance, and a photograph from the shoot on Radetskaya's social network page listed the times that the class meets.

The Guardian

You see it in the physical infrastructure: all those new flyovers sprouting up around the city to enable the chauffeur driven classes to get about more easily, even while the commuter trains are still bursting; the crowded, chaotic public hospitals that get by while gleaming new private hospitals open up.

The Guardian

For a week I schedule a string of yoga and surfing classes and resolve to explore the wonders of Byron Bay.

The Guardian - Travel

I've waited a week to see whether any members of the pontificating classes take any further interest in the inquest held in Milton Keynes last Friday.

The Guardian

Work up an appetite at the morning and evening yoga classes before tucking into delicious local, organic, vegetarian food.

The Guardian - Travel

The hotel can also organise cookery classes, and a picnic on a farm 30km away for those who want to escape into the countryside.

The Guardian - Travel

I remember a meeting where Osborne said as long as the central-belt middle classes support us, we will always win Alex Bell, Salmond's head of policy in the Scottish government, believes Salmond wanted to keep his options open for as long as possible.

The Guardian

For example, if you went to the University of West Virginia, you could do economics and Asian studies, with elective classes in maths, philosophy, history and French.

The Guardian

The 18th century was a golden age; industrialisation in the 19th century brought it to the working classes, and ruined it for the chic and rich; in the late 20th century, wallpaper was passé, but for the past decade it has been back in the fashion spotlight, thanks to the extraordinary creativity of designers such as these.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She says the UK business sees the equivalent of six full classes gain adult certificates in English and maths every week.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "classes" to describe social or economic strata: "The middle classes are increasingly concerned about the cost of living."

Common error

Avoid treating "classes" as a singular, uncountable noun. It always takes a plural verb: "The classes are held in the auditorium."

Linguistic Context

The word "classes" primarily functions as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances of a category, whether academic subjects, social strata, or organizational groupings. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "classes" is a very common plural noun used to categorize academic subjects, social groups, or organizational divisions. Ludwig AI validates this through its extensive examples across diverse sources. Grammatically correct, its register is generally neutral, although usage in academic or sociological contexts can make it more formal. When seeking alternative ways to say "classes", consider context-specific words like "courses" or "lessons" for academic settings, or groupings and categories for broader classification. Remember that "classes" always requires a plural verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lessons

Refers specifically to instructional sessions, often shorter and more focused than general "classes".

courses

Implies a structured sequence of instruction, typically longer than a single lesson.

sessions

Suggests a specific time dedicated to an activity or instruction, broader than just academic settings.

groupings

Emphasizes the act of organizing into groups, applicable in various contexts, not just educational.

categories

Highlights the division into distinct types or groups, often used for classification purposes.

grades

Refers to the specific year of study a student is in at school.

divisions

Suggests a separation into different sections or groups, can be organizational or hierarchical.

ranks

Indicates a hierarchical arrangement or position within a system.

sorts

Highlights the act of organizing into categories based on shared characteristics.

echelons

Refers to hierarchical levels or ranks within an organization or society.

FAQs

How do I use "classes" in a sentence?

"Classes" can refer to academic subjects, social groups, or categories. For example, "She's taking several art classes" or "There are clear distinctions between social classes".

What's a good alternative to "classes" when referring to academic subjects?

Depending on the context, you could use "courses", "lessons", or "sessions".

Is it correct to say "class is" instead of "classes are"?

No, "classes" is a plural noun and requires a plural verb. The correct form is "classes are". Use "class is" only when referring to a single class or a type of category.

What's the difference between "classes" and "courses"?

"Classes" can refer to individual sessions or broader categories, while "courses" typically imply a structured sequence of instruction over a set period.