sample course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sample course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a course that is provided as an example or demonstration, often in educational contexts. Example: "The university offers a sample course to help prospective students understand the curriculum better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Many institutions will allow prospective students to take a sample course online.

The New York Times

Hardware infrastructure has been built and tested for sample course applications.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

In refocusing on mobile and social as the two-headed future of gaming, Atari released "Greatest Hits" for iOS back in April, which is an 18-title sample course of Atari's classic games.

TechCrunch

As in the previous paper [2], a sample course outline, developed in accordance with the systematic guidelines presented in this paper, is given below, together with a check list for applicants (see Appendices 1, 2, and 3).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

You can take a sample course, learn how to set up a "cohort learning program" (for employees of the same company) and even pay a visit to the library.

Forbes

Site resources include: an interactive map demonstrating the chains of influence among theorists and researchers, biographical profiles of prominent individuals who have contributed to the development of intelligence theory and testing, in-depth articles exploring important controversies related to intelligence, and sample course syllabi.

Intelligence

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Typically the CV will be one document among a groaning dossier that might well comprise a cover letter, a research statement, a teaching statement, sample courses or syllabi, and even (on occasion) a diversity statement.

The Guardian

Busy students can fit it around their job or family schedule, work at their own pace and sample courses from universities the world over without leaving their homes.

The Economist

Could academic programs be designed in a way that allows students to sample courses across a range of disciplines yet graduate on time?

Huffington Post

The Desert Sampler course, in Joshua Tree National Park in California, includes hiking and rock climbing.

The New York Times - Travel

A single day "whitewater sampler" course that includes lunch but no lodging is just $99.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering a "sample course", clearly state its objectives and how it represents the full curriculum. This helps prospective students make informed decisions.

Common error

Avoid portraying a "sample course" as a comprehensive overview if it only covers specific aspects. Clearly define the limited scope to manage expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sample course" functions as a noun phrase, where "sample" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "course". It indicates a representative instance of a course, often used for demonstration or evaluation purposes. Ludwig confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sample course" is a grammatically correct and usable term in written English, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe a course offered as an example or preview. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it is most frequently used in news and scientific contexts, with a neutral to professional tone. While not extremely common, "sample course" is well-understood and serves the purpose of informing potential students about a course offering. Remember to clearly define the scope of any "sample course" to effectively manage expectations. Alternative phrases include "example course" and "trial course", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

example course

Replaces "sample" with "example", indicating a typical instance or model of a course.

trial course

Focuses on the aspect of trying out a course before committing.

preview course

Highlights the aspect of getting a sneak peek or preliminary view of a course.

introductory course

Emphasizes that the course serves as an introduction to a subject or program.

demonstration course

Stresses the purpose of the course as a demonstration or illustration.

taster course

Like a food taster, this offers a small experience of a course.

preliminary course

Indicates a course taken before the main or advanced courses.

mock course

Suggests a simulated or practice version of a course.

orientation course

Focuses on familiarizing students with a subject or program.

pilot course

Highlights the course as an initial run or experiment.

FAQs

What is a "sample course"?

A "sample course" is a course offered as an example or demonstration, allowing prospective students to experience the teaching style, content, and platform before committing to a full program.

How can I use "sample course" in a sentence?

You might say, "Many institutions allow prospective students to take a "sample course" online to see if the program suits them."

What are some alternatives to "sample course"?

Alternatives include "example course", "trial course", or "preview course", depending on the specific context and purpose.

Is there a difference between a "sample course" and an "introductory course"?

While both can serve as entry points, a "sample course" is primarily for demonstration, while an "introductory course" is the first course in a sequence, designed to teach fundamental concepts.