skipping school

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skipping school" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of intentionally not attending school, often without permission. Example: "Many students think that skipping school is a way to have fun, but it can lead to serious consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Unsupervised, Cheryl began skipping school.

The New York Times - Sports

When I was skipping school.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leogrande said he continually felt like a child skipping school.

The New York Times - Sports

In his last weeks, Farhad Jabar started skipping school.

The Guardian

She was once confronted by city officials for skipping school.

The New York Times

He was a troubled youngster, he said, often skipping school.

The New York Times

Teenagers when the book begins, they specialize in petty theft, hanging out and skipping school.

The New York Times - Books

The two began skipping school, hanging out at McCartney's house, and writing songs together.

The New Yorker

Around this time, he started running away from home and skipping school.

The New Yorker

She had committed suicide, after an argument with her parents about skipping school.

The New Yorker

The two of them wind up skipping school and plotting revenge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the consequences of "skipping school", be specific about the potential negative impacts on academic performance and future opportunities.

Common error

Avoid using "skipping school" when referring to excused absences due to illness or family emergencies. "Skipping school" implies an intentional and unauthorized absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skipping school" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of intentionally not attending school. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to describe behaviors, consequences, and personal experiences. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

18%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "skipping school" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of intentionally not attending school without permission. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reliable sources, indicates that it is frequently used in news media and general contexts. While the term is generally neutral, leaning towards informal, it effectively conveys the action and is often used to discuss the consequences and related behaviors. When writing, it's important to distinguish "skipping school" from legitimate absences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established in the English language, making it a reliable and appropriate choice for various writing purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

playing truant

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of being absent from school without permission.

truanting from school

This alternative is a more formal and grammatically structured way of saying 'playing truant'.

playing hooky

This alternative is more informal and suggests a sense of enjoyment or mischief in missing school.

ditching school

This alternative is more colloquial and implies a deliberate act of avoiding school.

cutting class

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

bunking off school

This alternative is a British English term for skipping school.

hookeying

This alternative is an uncommon and playful variant of 'playing hooky'.

wagging school

This alternative is another British English term for skipping school.

being absent without leave

This is a very formal way of saying "skipping school" and it's not commonly used.

not attending school

This alternative is a more general and neutral way of saying "skipping school".

FAQs

What are the consequences of "skipping school"?

The consequences of "skipping school" can include academic decline, disciplinary action, strained relationships with parents and teachers, and an increased risk of involvement in risky behaviors.

What are some signs that a child might be "skipping school"?

Signs that a child might be "skipping school" include frequent absences, declining grades, changes in behavior, and reluctance to discuss school-related matters.

What can I say instead of "skipping school"?

You can use alternatives like "playing truant", "playing hooky", or "ditching school" depending on the context.

Is "skipping school" the same as truancy?

"Skipping school" is often used as a more informal term for truancy, which is defined as unexcused absences from school. Truancy can have legal consequences for both the student and their parents.