compulsory subjects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'compulsory subjects' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to courses that students are required to take, such as in the sentence, "I had to take six compulsory subjects in my first year of college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

And English and maths, which employers care about most, are not compulsory subjects.

The Economist

With so many courses competing for the three slots available within the "best eight" framework outside the compulsory subjects, numbers opting for each may be small.

The Guardian - Arts

They must take seven compulsory subjects including science, maths, English and languages, and write an extended essay to stretch their creative thinking skills.

Independent

These compulsory subjects, which dominate the first half of most MBAs, are supposed to be the part of the programme that ground students in the fundamentals of business.

The Economist

The EBacc is a general qualification, to be rolled out across secondary schools, that requires pupils to study a basic list of compulsory subjects, including English, maths, the sciences and a language.

The Guardian

The teaching staff selects topics within the compulsory subjects that students have indicated at the beginning of the course particularly interest them; some of them choose to supplement work on their principal subject by doing an AS-level in it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Chess was made a compulsory subject in schools; the region now has numerous champions.

The Guardian

In schools, RS is a compulsory subject – but no one really wants to teach it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Law isn't a compulsory subject at school, and good books about it are pricey.

The Guardian - Opinion

And last year, in Armenia, chess became a compulsory subject in all primary schools.

The New York Times

Because math was no longer a compulsory subject for entering university, pupils dropped it early.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using synonyms like "required courses" or "mandatory classes" to add variety, but ensure the meaning remains consistent with the intended context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "compulsory subjects" are universally the same across different educational systems. Always specify the context (e.g., "In the UK, English and mathematics are often compulsory subjects") to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compulsory subjects" functions as a noun phrase, where 'compulsory' acts as a modifying adjective specifying the type of subjects being discussed. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in various educational contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compulsory subjects" accurately refers to mandatory courses within an educational curriculum, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki sources. While alternatives like "required courses" or "mandatory classes" can add variety, it's crucial to maintain clarity and specify the educational system when discussing this phrase. Remember that the specifics of "compulsory subjects" can vary significantly across different regions and institutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Obligatory subjects

Substitutes "compulsory" with its synonym "obligatory", maintaining a formal tone.

Required courses

Replaces "subjects" with the more formal term "courses" and "compulsory" with "required".

Mandatory classes

Uses "mandatory" to convey the sense of obligation and "classes" as an alternative for subjects.

Compulsory modules

Replaces "subjects" with the term "modules", common in higher education.

Prescribed subjects

Emphasizes that subjects are set or ordered by an authority.

Core curriculum

Refers to the set of courses considered essential within a program, offering a broader, curriculum-focused perspective.

Necessary subjects

Focuses on the need to study certain subjects.

Essential courses

Highlights the necessity of the courses, focusing on their importance.

Set subjects

Indicates the subjects are pre-determined and students have little choice.

Compulsory education

Broader term referring to mandatory schooling rather than specific subjects.

FAQs

What are examples of "compulsory subjects" in secondary education?

Common examples of "compulsory subjects" include mathematics, English language and literature, science, and often a foreign language, although this can vary by region and curriculum.

How do "compulsory subjects" differ from elective courses?

"Compulsory subjects" are mandatory and must be taken by all students, while elective courses are optional and allow students to choose subjects that align with their interests or career goals.

What can I say instead of "compulsory subjects"?

You can use alternatives like "required courses", "mandatory classes", or "obligatory subjects" depending on the context.

Why are some subjects considered "compulsory" in schools?

Subjects are often deemed "compulsory" because they provide foundational knowledge and skills considered essential for future academic success and participation in society.