extra-curricular activities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extra-curricular activities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to activities outside of or in addition to academic courses or study. For example, "Joining the school's debate club was one of my favorite extra-curricular activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Always support extra-curricular activities too.

The Guardian

Leadership in two extra-curricular activities is prized.

The New York Times

Schools don't have enough extra-curricular activities now.

The Guardian

Lunches, Ocado deliveries, chauffeuring children to extra-curricular activities ?

The Guardian - Opinion

Mention extra-curricular activities, such as sport or coaching.

The Guardian

What I really liked were the extra-curricular activities.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Then you can give examples from extra curricular activities, sport or volunteering".

The Guardian

They're not going to be too interested in doing any extra curricular activities.

The Guardian

I had good grades, played sports, good extra curricular activities.

Huffington Post

Will they swallow hard as precious football teams, favorite teachers, and extra curricular activities are axed?

Huffington Post

Especially for busy families juggling sports schedules, extra curricular activities, expensive airfares and unpleasant flying experiences.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your involvement in "extra-curricular activities" on a resume or application, quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of saying 'Participated in the debate club', say 'Led the debate club to win three regional competitions'.

Common error

Avoid using "extra-curricular" when you mean something that's part of the regular school curriculum. "Extra-curricular" activities are by definition outside the normal course of study.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extra-curricular activities" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes activities that are not part of the regular academic curriculum, as Ludwig confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Science

33%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extra-curricular activities" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that refers to activities outside of the regular school curriculum. Ludwig confirms that it effectively describes opportunities for students to develop interests and skills. The phrase appears frequently in news articles, wiki entries, and professional documents. When writing about such activities, remember to quantify your achievements and focus on the depth rather than breadth of your involvement. Be aware of the distinction between "extra-curricular" and "co-curricular" activities and avoid using "extra-curricular" when referring to required curricular components.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

co-curricular activities

Highlights the integration of these activities with the academic curriculum.

after-school programs

Focuses on activities specifically occurring after the regular school day.

enrichment activities

Emphasizes the developmental and educational aspect of such activities.

outside-of-class activities

Broader term encompassing any activity not part of the scheduled classes.

extracurricular pursuits

Implies a personal and dedicated engagement in these activities.

non-academic activities

Directly contrasts these activities with academic coursework.

school clubs and societies

Refers specifically to organized groups within the school setting.

student organizations

Highlights the organizational aspect and student involvement.

voluntary school activities

Underlines the voluntary nature of participation.

complementary learning activities

Emphasizes how these activities support and enhance academic learning.

FAQs

How can I effectively showcase "extra-curricular activities" on my college application?

Highlight the skills and experiences you've gained, emphasizing leadership roles, significant contributions, and the impact you've made within each activity. Mentioning any awards or recognitions can also strengthen your application.

What are some examples of "extra-curricular activities" that can enhance a resume?

Examples include volunteering, internships, participation in clubs or organizations, sports, arts, and any activity that demonstrates leadership, teamwork, or commitment. Choose activities relevant to the job or field you're applying for to make a stronger impression.

Is it better to be involved in many "extra-curricular activities" or to focus on a few?

It's generally better to focus on a few activities where you can demonstrate meaningful involvement and achievement rather than spreading yourself too thin across many. Colleges and employers often value depth of commitment over breadth of participation.

What's the difference between "co-curricular activities" and "extra-curricular activities"?

"Co-curricular activities" are integrated with the academic curriculum and enhance learning, whereas "extra-curricular activities" are separate from the curriculum and typically focus on personal interests and development. While both can enrich a student's experience, they serve different purposes.