skip school

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skip school" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of not attending school, often without permission. Example: "Many students choose to skip school on sunny days to hang out with friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Skip the worry and... 2. SKIP SCHOOL.

Huffington Post

He likes to skip school.

The Guardian

But her teachers routinely skip school, three days a week.

The New York Times

But that is no reason to skip school.

The New York Times

I would skip school because I was so hungry".

The Guardian - Music

Teachers abscond, and children skip school (unless they receive UN food aid for turning up).

The Economist

Sometimes I skip school to do it but don't tell my parents.

The New York Times

Later, as a teen-ager, he'd skip school and take the bus.

The New Yorker

They skip school, take aimless walks and dream of life after Brewster.

The New York Times - Books

He kept on doing it, so sometimes I would skip school to avoid him.

The Guardian

Children who skip school are increasingly on family holidays, government figures revealed today.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "skip school", consider the context and audience. More formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "be absent from school" or "not attend school."

Common error

Avoid using "skip school" when referring to excused absences or planned school breaks. "Skip school" implies an unauthorized absence, unlike approved time off.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skip school" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of not attending school. It is commonly used in declarative sentences to describe students' behavior, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "skip school" is a common and generally informal way to describe the act of being absent from school without permission. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news media and informal contexts. While acceptable in casual conversation, more formal alternatives like "be absent from school" may be preferable in professional settings. Understanding the implications and potential consequences of skipping school is crucial, as is knowing when to use more appropriate language to describe absences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

play truant

This phrase is a more formal or British English way to say "skip school".

cut class

This phrase is more specific, referring to missing a particular class rather than the entire school day.

ditch school

This phrase implies a more rebellious or deliberate act of avoiding school.

miss classes

This is a general term that could include both excused and unexcused absences.

be absent from school

A formal way of saying that someone is not at school, without specifying the reason.

take a day off school

This phrase suggests a planned or accepted absence, possibly with parental consent.

not attend school

A straightforward and neutral way to state that someone is not present at school.

go AWOL from school

This implies a sudden or unauthorized departure from school.

stay away from school

This phrase suggests avoidance, possibly due to fear or dislike.

goof off instead of going to school

This phrase emphasizes the playful or unproductive nature of the absence.

FAQs

What does "skip school" mean?

"Skip school" means to be absent from school without permission or a valid excuse. It often implies a deliberate act of avoiding school.

What can I say instead of "skip school"?

You can use alternatives like "play truant", "cut class", or "ditch school" depending on the context.

Is "skip school" formal or informal?

"Skip school" is generally considered an informal expression. In more formal contexts, it's better to use phrases like "be absent from school".

What are the consequences of skipping school?

Skipping school can lead to disciplinary actions, academic penalties, and legal consequences depending on school and local regulations. It is important to attend school regularly to avoid negative outcomes.