took a course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took a course" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of enrolling in and completing a class or educational program. Example: "Last semester, I took a course on digital marketing to enhance my skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I took a course in Zen socialism.

The Guardian

I took a course in paragliding.

The New York Times

This season I also took a course in contract bridge".

The New York Times

I took a course and had an amazing experience.

University of California, Berkeley

I took a course which prepared me to shoot it".

The New York Times

They took a course that no one suggested".

The New Yorker

"I took a course in circus arts," he said.

The New York Times

In 1974, Susan took a course in admiralty law taught by Bill Clinton himself.

The New Yorker

At the start of the Second World War she took a course in cryptanalysis at Hunter.

The New Yorker

She found work at a chocolate shop and took a course to become a barista.

The New York Times

When I was in college I took a course in the Enlightenment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "took a course", specify the subject or field of study to provide context and clarity. For example, instead of saying "I took a course", say "I took a course in organic chemistry."

Common error

Avoid using "took a course" without specifying the subject matter, as it can be vague. Instead of saying "She took a course", provide details such as "She took a course in graphic design to improve her skills."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took a course" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of enrolling in and participating in a course of study. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took a course" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate enrollment and participation in a course of study. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its versatility and appropriateness across various contexts, from academic discussions to news reports. While generally neutral in register, specifying the subject matter enhances clarity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness, solidifying its reliability for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enrolled in a course

Focuses on the act of registering for a course, rather than the experience itself.

participated in a course

Highlights involvement and engagement in the course activities.

attended a course

Emphasizes the physical presence or attendance in a course.

studied a subject

Broader, focusing on the subject matter rather than the structured course.

undertook a program

Suggests a more formal and structured educational experience.

pursued studies in

Highlights the active seeking of knowledge in a specific field.

engaged in coursework

Focuses on the academic work and assignments associated with a course.

completed a module

Refers to finishing a specific section or unit within a larger course or program.

received training in

Implies a practical, skill-based learning experience.

sat in on a lecture

Indicates casual or informal attendance, often without formal enrollment.

FAQs

How can I use "took a course" in a sentence?

You can use "took a course" to describe the action of enrolling in and participating in a class or educational program. For example: "I "took a course" in data science to enhance my analytical skills."

What are some alternatives to "took a course"?

Alternatives include "enrolled in a course", "participated in a course", or "attended a course". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I have took a course"?

No, the correct phrasing is "I have taken a course". "Taken" is the past participle of the verb "take" and should be used with auxiliary verbs like "have".

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

"Taking a course" refers to the period of enrollment and participation, while "completing a course" implies that you have finished all the requirements and received credit for it.