courses

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "courses" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a set of classes, lessons, or academic programs. For example: "I'm registered for two courses this semester - calculus and Spanish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

For more information on our full range of courses, sign up to our newsletter or check out our calendar.

The Guardian

Yet while Santiago offers an intriguing and easy introduction to the country, it is nothing more than an appetizer for the main courses to be found elsewhere.

The Guardian - Travel

With a diverse range of courses taught by award-winning experts, you're sure to find a gift to make anyone's day – or a course that will transform your 2015.

The Guardian

It works better for those doing longer courses such as medicine and architecture, and we have had quite a few vets.

The Guardian - Money

It was just a taste of what 95 MPs, peers and parliament staff have already experienced on mindfulness meditation courses inside parliament.

The Guardian

While there's more than one way to train as a teacher, and growing numbers of training courses are now taking place in schools through the Schools Direct programme (analysis by UUK of the 2014/2015 intake shows that School Direct allocations increased by nearly 60%), the number of students choosing the university route remains significant.

The Guardian

Doctors vary in the length of antibiotic regimes they prescribe, with five-day courses for urinary tract infection still being used even though the evidence shows that two to three days is sufficient for an uncomplicated infection.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

QAA has consulted academics on, and included in the UK Quality Code, the basic features that should be incorporated into courses in terms of design, recruitment, learning and teaching, student participation and engagement, assessment and external examining, course updating, appeals and complaints, collaboration and research degrees.

The Guardian

It also forced graduates to pay back student loans sooner but extended fee help to non-university courses such as diplomas and associate degrees.

The Guardian

Posing for media opportunities next to country club golf courses while accepting last-minute endorsements from Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, he embodies a concerted attempt by older, wealthier Republican leaders to wrest back power from the grassroots activists who have caused so much havoc in Congress.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to university-level studies, use "courses" to denote a structured learning path. Be mindful of the distinction between individual "lessons" and comprehensive "courses".

Common error

Avoid using the singular form "course" when referring to multiple subjects or programs. Ensure the plural "courses" is used when discussing a range of academic offerings.

Linguistic Context

The word "courses" primarily functions as a plural noun, referring to a set of classes or academic programs. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is used to describe educational offerings across various disciplines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

33%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "courses" functions as a plural noun denoting a set of classes or academic programs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is a common term used across various contexts, including news, business, and academic settings, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples. To ensure clarity, use "courses" when referring to multiple subjects and avoid confusion with the singular form "course". Remember, the term holds a neutral tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

academic programs

Refers to a structured series of studies leading to a degree or qualification; emphasizes the institutional aspect.

educational programs

Highlights the broader scope of learning and development, not limited to formal classes.

instructional classes

Emphasizes the teaching aspect and the setting in which learning occurs.

training sessions

Focuses on practical instruction aimed at developing specific skills or knowledge.

training modules

Implies a structured, self-contained unit of instruction designed for specific learning outcomes.

study modules

Suggests a component-based structure of learning, focusing on specific topics or areas.

curriculum

Implies a planned sequence of instruction, focusing on the content and objectives.

seminars

Emphasizes interactive discussion and exploration of a topic, often in a small group setting.

workshops

Focuses on hands-on activities and practical application of skills.

lessons

Refers to individual instances of teaching, focusing on specific topics or skills.

FAQs

How to use "courses" in a sentence?

You can use "courses" to refer to a set of classes or academic programs, like "I'm taking several "online courses" this semester".

What can I say instead of "courses"?

You can use alternatives like "academic programs", "training sessions", or "educational programs" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "courses" or "course"?

The correct term depends on the context. Use "course" when referring to a single class or program, and "courses" when referring to multiple classes or programs. For example, "This is a challenging course" versus "These are challenging courses".

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

"Courses" refers to the specific classes or programs offered, while "curriculum" refers to the overall planned sequence of instruction. A curriculum encompasses the courses, but also includes learning objectives and assessments.