skipping class

USAGE SUMMARY

"skipping class" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has chosen not to attend a scheduled class. For example: "Jack got in trouble with the school principal for skipping class last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Missing school and skipping class is consequential.

Stanford University

Some recall skipping class or slipping out of work.

The New York Times

Skipping class to attend the forum wasn't a problem.

The New Yorker

Instead I found myself skipping class and playing pool.

The New York Times

She started skipping class for fear of continuing to disassociate.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Didn't it cause problems for you at school, skipping class so often?" Habara asked.

The New Yorker

Sometimes Manziel had too much fun, skipping class and sweet-talking his way out of trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Turrini took a vacation day from work and the children are skipping class.

The New York Times

Skipping Class (All of Them) You don't even have to log in.

The New York Times

All day long, they'd post "status" notes explaining their moods — "hating Monday," "skipping class b/c i'm hung over".

The New York Times - Magazine

In her sophomore year in high school in Harlem, Ms. Lyles was caught skipping class almost daily.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the consequences of "skipping class", be specific about the impact on academic performance, future opportunities, and school policies.

Common error

Avoid using "skipping class" when you mean a student has formally withdrawn from a course. "Skipping class" refers to absenteeism, while "dropping a class" is an official administrative action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skipping class" functions as a gerund phrase, where "skipping" acts as a noun describing the action of not attending a scheduled class. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "skipping class" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of not attending a scheduled class. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and academia. While there are more formal alternatives like "being absent from class", the phrase remains a straightforward and widely understood expression. Remember to use "skipping class" when referring to absenteeism, and avoid confusing it with "dropping a class", which has a different meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cutting class

Implies a deliberate and often rebellious act of not attending class.

ditching class

An informal term implying a secretive or sneaky act of avoiding class.

missing class

A simple and direct way of stating that someone is not attending class, without necessarily implying intention.

playing hooky

More informal and often suggests a sense of fun or mischief in skipping class.

truanting from class

Focuses on the legal or official aspect of being absent without permission.

bunking off class

A British English term for skipping class, implying a casual disregard for attendance.

being absent from class

A more general and neutral way to describe not being in class.

being truant

Focuses on the state of being absent from school without permission, often with legal implications.

not attending class

A formal and straightforward way to express absence from class.

absconding from class

Emphasizes the unauthorized and possibly secretive nature of leaving class.

FAQs

What are the consequences of "skipping class"?

The consequences can range from lowered grades and missed learning opportunities to disciplinary actions, depending on the school's policies. Consistent "truanting from class" can lead to more severe repercussions.

What's a more formal way to say "skipping class"?

A more formal alternative is "being absent from class" or "not attending class". These phrases are less colloquial and more suitable for official reports or academic discussions.

What can I say instead of "skipping class" in a casual conversation?

In a casual setting, you could use phrases like "cutting class", "ditching class", or "playing hooky". These are more informal and commonly used among students.

Is "skipping class" the same as "skipping school"?

While related, they are not identical. "Skipping class" refers to missing a specific class, while "skipping school" implies missing the entire day of school. The latter is generally considered a more serious offense.