classes are not in session

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "classes are not in session" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that educational classes are currently not taking place, often during holidays or breaks. Example: "Please note that classes are not in session during the winter break, and will resume in January."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I try to prioritise conferences during the times when classes are not in session.

The Guardian

Some of it is donated to food banks, especially during the summer months, when classes are not in session.

The New York Times

For a taste of university life, stay in a Cambridge University dorm room (cambridgerooms.co.uk) when classes are not in session.

The New York Times - Travel

After that, the Web site lists several local colleges as having dorm rooms available when classes are not in session, and a couple of hotels in Westchester County.

The New York Times

If you can plan your trip when classes are not in session (and they are in session only about half the year), you may be able to land a room in student housing through oxfordrooms.co.uk.

The New York Times - Travel

LOS ANGELES — Classes are not in session at the University of Southern California, although anyone walking around the campus near downtown would have seen palm trees swaying gently in the breeze on a sun-splashed day sent straight from a recruiting manual.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Across the country, more than 21 million children qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch, but when classes aren't in session, these kids are at risk of going without food.

Huffington Post

Classes were not in session Monday, but grief counselors were available to students and faculty on Monday afternoon.

The New York Times

Although classes were not in session during summer vacation, teachers and students gathered in empty rooms, poring over class photographs for glimpses of lost friends.

The New York Times

But classes were not in session, and the room where Sanders's event was being held, at a Marriott, was small.

The New Yorker

Classes were not in session on Thursday because students were preparing for final exams, but there were still thousands of students, staff and faculty members on campus at the time, officials said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "classes are not in session" to clearly communicate that scheduled classes are not currently taking place, especially when providing information about availability of resources or facilities.

Common error

Avoid using "classes are not in session" when the entire institution is closed or otherwise non-operational; "the university is closed" or "the school is on holiday" are more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "classes are not in session" functions as a declarative statement. It's used to communicate that formal educational activities are temporarily suspended. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in informing about university breaks and holiday periods.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "classes are not in session" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that scheduled classes are not currently taking place. As illustrated by Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used in news and media, science and business contexts to inform about temporary breaks or suspensions in academic schedules. While alternative phrases such as ""classes are suspended"" or "no classes are taking place" can be used, "classes are not in session" provides a clear and widely understood message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

classes are not being held

Directly states the absence of scheduled classes.

no classes are taking place

Directly indicates the absence of educational sessions.

classes are suspended

Focuses on the temporary halt of classes, rather than their absence.

there are no classes scheduled

Emphasizes the lack of scheduled classes on the timetable.

classes are on break

Indicates a temporary pause in classes, often for a holiday or vacation.

classes are adjourned

Implies a more formal temporary cessation of classes.

school is not in session

Broader term referring to the entire educational institution not operating.

classes are out of term

Indicates that classes are outside the normal academic term.

classes have been dismissed

Suggests that classes were ended, often unexpectedly.

instruction is not being offered

Focuses on the absence of teaching or instruction.

FAQs

What does it mean when "classes are not in session"?

It means that regularly scheduled classes are not currently being held, often due to holidays, breaks, or other planned interruptions in the academic calendar.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "classes are not in session"?

Use it when you need to inform people that classes are not currently being held, for example, when explaining why certain facilities are unavailable or why schedules are different. You can also use "classes are suspended".

What's the difference between "classes are not in session" and "school is closed"?

"Classes are not in session" indicates that classes are not being held, but the school might still be open for other activities. "School is closed" means the entire institution is shut down, with no activities taking place. You may also say "there are no classes scheduled".

Are there alternative ways to say "classes are not in session"?

Yes, you can use phrases like ""classes are suspended"", "no classes are taking place", or "classes are on break" depending on the specific context.