courses left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "courses left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to the number of courses remaining in a program or curriculum. Example: "After completing three out of the required ten classes, I have seven courses left to finish my degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

These two sensibly portioned courses left room for splurging on dessert: a rum-infused four-layer pineapple torte.

The New York Times

But the dropout rate and the quality of courses left much to be desired, according to the O.E.C.D. Better to focus on quality, not quantity, the O.E.C.D. recommends.

The New York Times

The curriculum is flexible, with many decisions on individual courses left to the student and the adviser.

Stanford University

He was working on a second master's degree at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken with only six or seven courses left to complete, his father told Northjersey.com.com

The Washington Post

In addition, we usually require that eligible students have no more than two ILR required courses left to complete prior to undertaking an internship.

Cornell University

In 1985, my track scholarship ended with only three courses left for the degree.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Facing a tight budget this spring, the college canceled 24 courses, leaving students to scramble to fill holes in their schedules.

The New York Times

Thus we excluded data from three of the consortium medical schools as these institutions exclusively offered these medical courses, leaving 22 participating institutions.

British Medical Journal

But the decision, of course, left him with this debt.

The New York Times

The only course left is to prepare for the storm.

Harvard University

The course left him with invaluable problem-solving experience.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing academic progress, use "courses left" to clearly indicate the remaining workload. For instance, "With only two courses left, I'm on track to graduate on time."

Common error

Avoid implying that "courses left" are somehow less important or easier than those already completed. The phrase is purely descriptive and should not carry any unintended evaluative connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "courses left" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as an adjective phrase to modify an implied subject, denoting the quantity of courses remaining to be completed. Ludwig's examples showcase its typical usage in academic contexts and personal progress tracking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "courses left" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe the number of courses remaining in a program or curriculum. According to Ludwig, this phrase is versatile, appearing in both academic and general contexts, making it suitable for various forms of communication. When writing, ensure that you use it to clearly indicate the amount of work remaining. While the expression is generally neutral, its formality can shift towards the more formal based on the context. Remember that while "courses left" is similar to alternatives such as "remaining courses", you should consider the subtle nuances in word order to best convey your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Remaining courses

Focuses directly on what is remaining, omitting any sense of action or obligation.

Courses remaining

Similar to "remaining courses" but with a slightly different word order, which can subtly shift emphasis.

Outstanding courses

Highlights that the courses are yet to be completed or addressed.

Uncompleted courses

Emphasizes the lack of completion rather than the courses' existence.

Courses to complete

Focuses on the action of completing the courses, placing emphasis on the task.

Required courses outstanding

Specifically refers to required courses that have not yet been completed.

Courses pending completion

Highlights that the courses are in a state awaiting completion.

Balance of courses

Refers to the "courses left" as a total or remaining amount.

Outstanding coursework

Broadens the scope to include all types of coursework not yet finished, not just courses.

Yet-to-take courses

More informally emphasizes that these courses are still in the future.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "courses left" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "remaining courses" or "outstanding coursework". These options sound more professional and are suitable for academic or official communications.

Is it correct to say "courses remained" instead of "courses left"?

While "courses remained" isn't grammatically incorrect, "courses left" is generally preferred because it is more idiomatic and directly implies the courses are yet to be taken or completed. "Courses remained" might imply something different, like the courses were not cancelled.

What's the difference between "courses left" and "courses remaining"?

The phrases "courses left" and "courses remaining" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Courses left" is slightly more concise and commonly used, while "courses remaining" may sound a bit more formal.

How do I use "courses left" in a sentence about internship eligibility?

You can use "courses left" to specify eligibility requirements such as, "To be eligible for the internship, students should have no more than two courses left to complete."