engaging in a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engaging in a course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to participating in a specific educational program or class. Example: "She is engaging in a course on digital marketing to enhance her skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He also was disciplined under the collective bargaining agreement "for attempting to cover up his violations of the program by engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the office of the commissioner's investigation".

The New York Times - Sports

Brittain pleaded guilty to engaging in a course of conduct that caused Miss Durant fear or alarm by repeatedly pursuing her, approaching her, following her and publishing a story about stalking her in September 2014.

Independent

Mr. McFarlane was arraigned in State Supreme Court in the Bronx yesterday on charges of first-degree sodomy, endangering the welfare of a child and engaging in a course of sexual conduct with a child, a 9-year-old boy.

The New York Times

Mr. McFarlane was also charged with engaging in a course of sexual conduct against a child, which involves two or more violations over a period longer than three months.

The New York Times

Does the mere preference for their own state justify engaging in a course of action that is likely to result in large-scale violence?

SEP

MLB also said Rodriguez had attempted to "cover up his violations of the Program by engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the Office of the Commissioner's investigation".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Over a two-year period, respondent engaged in a course of deliberately deceptive and injudicious behavior that renders him unfit to serve as a judge," the report said.

The New York Times

Judge Rosenblatt wrote that soon after moving into the building in 1998, Mr. Pullman, "in the view of the cooperative," engaged in a course of behavior that "began as demanding, grew increasingly disruptive and ultimately became intolerable".

The New York Times

According to court documents, Mr. Pullman, "in the view of the cooperative," engaged in a course of behavior that "began as demanding, grew increasingly disruptive and ultimately became intolerable".

The New York Times

Exposing yourself in front of somebody else in public, for example, is already a crime under section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, while the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 makes it an offence to engage in a course of conduct you know, or ought to know, amounts to harassment of another person.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The company of restaurateurs that operates the Rainbow Room, Cipriani Fifth Avenue, is suing Rockefeller Center's landlord, Tishman Speyer, among others with control of the building, claiming that they "engage in a course of conduct designed to intentionally and maliciously damage the reputation and business of the Rainbow Room".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "engaging in a course", ensure the context clearly indicates active participation and involvement, not just mere enrollment. For example, "She is actively engaging in a course on data science, participating in all discussions and projects."

Common error

Avoid using "engaging in a course" in passive constructions that obscure the subject's active role. Instead of saying "The course was being engaged in by the students", say "The students were actively "engaging in a course""

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engaging in a course" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase acting as a gerund or adjective. It describes the action of actively participating or being involved in a specific educational program. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "engaging in a course" is a grammatically sound way to describe active participation in an educational program. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and highlights examples where it emphasizes active involvement rather than mere enrollment. While not overly common, its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Consider alternatives like "participating in a course" for similar meaning, and remember that the strength of this expression lies in underscoring commitment and active involvement, as opposed to just passively attending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

participating in a course

Replaces "engaging" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing active involvement.

enrolling in a course

Focuses on the act of officially joining a course.

taking a course

A simpler, more common way to express participation in a course.

undertaking a course of study

Highlights the commitment and effort involved in studying a subject.

pursuing a course

Emphasizes the active pursuit of knowledge or skills through a course.

attending a course

Focuses on the act of being present at a course.

studying a course

Highlights the act of learning and absorbing the material of a course.

immersing oneself in a course

Emphasizes deep involvement and dedication to the course material.

committing to a course

Focuses on the dedication and time investment in a course.

embarking on a course

Suggests starting a new learning journey or experience.

FAQs

What does "engaging in a course" mean?

The phrase "engaging in a course" signifies actively participating in, being involved with, and committing to the learning process within an educational program or class. It suggests more than just attendance; it implies active contribution and investment in the material.

What are some alternatives to "engaging in a course"?

You can use alternatives like "participating in a course", "enrolling in a course", or "taking a course" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "engaging in a course" or "taking a course"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Taking a course" is more general and simply implies enrollment. "Engaging in a course" emphasizes active participation and involvement. Use "engaging in a course" when you want to highlight the person's active role in the learning process.

How can I use "engaging in a course" effectively in a sentence?

To use "engaging in a course" effectively, ensure the sentence clearly shows the active participation and commitment involved. For example, "Despite her busy schedule, she is diligently "engaging in a course" to upgrade her skills." Contrast this with "She is taking a course," which is less specific about her level of involvement.