the course starts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the course starts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the beginning of a course or class, typically in an academic or training context. Example: "The course starts next Monday, so make sure to complete your registration by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The course starts in autumn.

The Guardian

The course starts and finishes downtown by Lake Champlain.

The New York Times - Sports

The course starts with learning basic skills, like the correct way to hold and "load" a paintbrush.

The New York Times - Arts

There are 16 candidates for every vacancy and somehow the 2,000 applicants have to be whittled down to 120 by the time the course starts.

Independent

The course starts in central Tokyo and runs out of the city, up the mountains to the foot of Mount Fuji.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The course starts with a full body workout, goes on to cover the techniques of balancing and using the oar, and the etiquette expected from a licensed gondolier.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"The university moved the goal posts after the course started".

The Guardian

Another was Edward Johnson, 44, who was homeless when the course started.

The New York Times

Here's how it worked: the course started just after Labor Day.

The New York Times

Returns policy Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 7 days before the course start date.

The Guardian

Actually, the message to stay the course started in March of last year, when the market topped out and then began its fall.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the course starts", clearly specify the date or time to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "the course starts", say "the course starts on Monday, July 29th".

Common error

Avoid using the present continuous tense (e.g., "the course is starting") when referring to a scheduled future event. Stick to the simple present ("the course starts") for scheduled beginnings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the course starts" functions as a statement of fact indicating when a course is scheduled to begin. Ludwig confirms this usage across various contexts. It's a straightforward way to communicate the commencement of an educational program.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Travel

6%

Wiki

3%

Sports

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the course starts" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to indicate the beginning of a course. It serves to inform the audience about a course's commencement date and is suitable for neutral, professional, and even formal contexts. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its general usability and correctness. When using this phrase, remember to be specific about the date and time. Alternatives include "the course begins" or "the course commences". Common errors involve using incorrect tenses, as Ludwig indicates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the course commences

Uses a more formal synonym for "starts".

the course begins

Employs a simpler and more direct synonym.

the program starts

Replaces "course" with a synonym while maintaining the same meaning.

the course gets underway

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate the start.

the course will start

Uses future tense to indicate when the course will begin.

the course is scheduled to begin

Adds a level of formality and planning to the start date.

the course is set to start

Similar to 'scheduled to begin' but slightly less formal.

the course opens

Suggests a formal opening or launch of the course.

the course kicks off

A more informal, almost enthusiastic way to say the course begins.

the initiation of the course

Significantly more formal and emphasizes the act of starting.

FAQs

How do I use "the course starts" in a sentence?

Use "the course starts" to indicate the beginning of a class or program. For example, "The course starts next week, so be sure to register before Friday".

What is an alternative to saying "the course starts"?

Alternatives include "the course begins", "the course commences", or "the course gets underway".

Is it correct to say "the course is starting" instead of "the course starts"?

While "the course is starting" is grammatically correct, "the course starts" is often preferred for scheduled events. The former implies an action in progress, while the latter is used for planned future events.

When should I use "the course started" vs. "the course starts"?

"The course started" is used when referring to a course that has already begun. "The course starts" is used when referring to a course that will begin in the future.