takes a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes a course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone enrolling in or participating in a class or educational program. Example: "She takes a course in digital marketing to enhance her skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

And each time a child takes a course of antibiotics, future infections become harder to treat.

The New York Times

This raises the question of whether the protective bacteria may be harmed when a person takes a course of antibiotics.

The New York Times - Science

If the woman takes a course of antiretrovirals during pregnancy, the baby is almost certain to be born HIV-negative.

The Guardian

Every student takes a course called "Foundations of Liberty," which teaches that democracy rests on biblical principles, traditional sex roles, limited government and private property rights.

The New York Times

He takes a course of action that seems at the time to be the right thing to do but which has heartbreaking consequences.

The Guardian - Books

In its early stage the disease typically takes a course of remissions and relapses, in which patients experience periodic flare-ups, or relapses, and then recover.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I took a course in Zen socialism.

The Guardian

I didn't take a course.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

* Take a course from your adviser.

The New York Times

"I'm going to take a course".

The New York Times - Magazine

I took a course in paragliding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about educational pursuits, use "takes a course" to clearly indicate enrollment and participation in a specific class or subject. For example, "She takes a course in graphic design to improve her skills."

Common error

Avoid using the incorrect tense when describing past or future course enrollment. Ensure that "took a course" is used for completed courses and "will take a course" for future enrollment. For example, use "I took a course last summer" instead of "I take a course last summer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes a course" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of enrolling in and participating in a specific educational class or program. As Ludwig AI explains, it correctly and effectively communicates this action in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "takes a course" is a common and grammatically sound way to express enrollment and participation in an educational class or program. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is used across diverse contexts, from news reporting and scientific publications to more informal settings, though most frequently found in news and media sources. When using the phrase, ensure proper tense usage and consider alternative phrasings like "enrolls in a class" or "attends a class" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enrolls in a class

Focuses on the act of registering for a course.

registers for a class

Similar to "enrolls", emphasizing the formal act of registration.

attends a class

Highlights the act of being present in a course.

participates in a course

Emphasizes active involvement in the course.

studies a subject

Focuses on the academic aspect of learning.

undertakes a study program

A more formal way of saying someone is pursuing a course of study.

pursues a course of study

Similar to "undertakes a study program", highlighting the long-term nature of studying.

engages in coursework

Focuses on the work involved in a course.

completes a module

Refers to finishing a specific part of a larger course.

audits a course

Means to attend a course without receiving credit.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "takes a course"?

Saying someone "takes a course" means they are enrolled in and attending a class or educational program, typically at a school, college, or university. It implies active participation in the learning process.

What can I say instead of "takes a course"?

You can use alternatives like "enrolls in a class", "attends a class", or "studies a subject" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "taking a course" or should I say "enrolling in a course"?

Both "taking a course" and "enrolling in a course" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Taking a course" emphasizes participation, while "enrolling in a course" focuses on the registration process.

What's the difference between "taking a course" and "auditing a course"?

"Taking a course" implies that you are enrolled for credit and will be graded. "Auditing a course", on the other hand, means you are attending the class without receiving credit or a grade.