pass the course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pass the course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone succeeding in completing a course of study, either academic or professional. Example: I was so relieved when I found out I had passed the course.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All writing assignments must be completed to pass the course.

Yale University

Colonel Desgrosseilliers said he is confident that women will eventually pass the course.

The New York Times

He wanted to pass the course so he'd be promoted to sergeant and get compassionate posting.

The New Yorker

"If you pass the course, there is not as much motivation," he said.

The Washington Post

Each semester, more than 50percentt of students in elementary algebra do not pass the course.

The Washington Post

With low entry requirements for the BPTC, thousands pass the course each year.

The Guardian

It is needed to pass the course and it must be turned in by April 10.

Yale University

Students must score a 70% or higher on the final exam to pass the course.

University of California, Berkeley

Regardless, you must turn in all problem sets and labs to pass the course.

Princeton University

You must complete all assignments and all project requirements to pass the course.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The only people having difficulty getting excited about STEM are the students who must take and pass the courses if the movement is to succeed.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about educational or training contexts, use "pass the course" to clearly indicate successful completion and meeting the required standards.

Common error

Avoid using "pass the course" when you mean to describe the subject matter covered in the course. "Pass the course" refers to successfully completing it, not the topics it includes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass the course" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of a course of study. It signifies meeting the required standards and achieving a passing grade. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in academic and professional contexts, confirming its established function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

52%

News & Media

34%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pass the course" is a common and grammatically correct way to express successful completion of a course of study, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is frequently used in academic, news, and scientific contexts, indicating its versatility. While alternatives like "succeed in the course" or "complete the course successfully" exist, "pass the course" remains a straightforward and widely understood option. Remember to use it to indicate successful completion, not to describe the course content itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeed in the course

Emphasizes success within the course, similar to passing.

complete the course successfully

Highlights the completion aspect with an emphasis on success.

achieve a passing grade in the course

Specifically mentions achieving a passing grade, a key element of passing the course.

get through the course

Focuses on overcoming the challenges of the course to finish it.

earn credit for the course

Highlights earning academic credit, implying successful completion.

meet the requirements of the course

Focuses on fulfilling the necessary criteria to pass.

clear the course

Offers a more concise way to say successfully completing the course.

qualify in the course

Imphasizes that the candidate obtain the proper qualification in the course.

be successful on the course

Describes how much the course requires success.

do well in the course

More general, indicates good performance leading to passing.

FAQs

How can I use "pass the course" in a sentence?

You can use "pass the course" to indicate successful completion of a course. For example, "Students must achieve a 70% or higher to "pass the course"".

What is a synonym for "pass the course"?

Synonyms for "pass the course" include "succeed in the course", "complete the course successfully", or "achieve a passing grade".

Is it correct to say "passed the course"?

Yes, "passed the course" is the past tense form and is correct. For example, "I "passed the course" with flying colors".

What does it mean to "pass the course"?

To "pass the course" means to successfully complete all requirements of a course and receive a passing grade or credit. It signifies that you have met the necessary standards set by the institution or instructor.