undergo a course

USAGE SUMMARY

'undergo a course' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone taking a class or training program, such as a school course, a training course, or an apprenticeship. For example: "After graduating from college, Jim underwent a course in carpentry to prepare for his new career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Andrade said he was feeling "somewhat ill" and would undergo a course of treatment.

The Guardian - Sport

Beckett began it in 1935 while in London to undergo a course of psycho-analysis.

The Guardian

The England player was fined and ordered by his club to undergo a course in diversity awareness.

The Guardian

"I have been advised by my physician that I must undergo a course of chemotherapy on my esophagus," he said.

The New York Times

Gomez was forced to cancel her tour of Australia and Asia in 2013 to undergo a course of chemotherapy.

Independent

Today Roquentin would be diagnosed with general anxiety disorder, and prescribed an antidepressant or invited to undergo a course of cognitive behavioural therapy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

World War IMen of the Royal Norfolk Regiment undergoing a course of revolver training while wearing gas masks.

Britannica

There is a possibility that it might be worth undergoing a course of chemotherapy to extend the amount of time available.

The Guardian - Books

This paper reports a phenomenological study of a class of third year Chemical Engineering students first experience in undergoing a course using Cooperative Problem Based Learning (CPBL).

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

He admitted in court he had formed a relationship with a friend, Arnold Murray, and was offered a choice between a prison term or undergoing a course of drug treatments aimed at controlling his libido.

The Guardian

Her website suggests: "... it is advisable to consult with a homeopathic doctor if you are taking a high dose of steroids or undergoing a course of chemotherapy as these may possibly reduce the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undergo a course", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of course or treatment being referenced for clarity. For instance, specify "undergo a course of chemotherapy" or "undergo a training course in project management".

Common error

Avoid using "undergo a course" without specifying the subject or type of course. Instead of saying "He will undergo a course", specify "He will undergo a course in data science" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undergo a course" functions as a verb phrase, typically followed by a prepositional phrase specifying the subject or type of course. It indicates that someone is experiencing or participating in a structured learning or treatment process. Ludwig highlights numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe educational or therapeutic activities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

11%

Academia

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undergo a course" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone participating in a structured learning or treatment program. As Ludwig confirms, it is found across various contexts, from news and media to science and formal business communications. While often interchangeable with alternatives like "take a course" or "attend a course", it sometimes implies a more passive or required experience. To maximize clarity, specifying the subject or type of course is recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a course

Emphasizes active participation in the course.

participate in a course

Highlights involvement and engagement in the learning process.

attend a course

Focuses on the act of being present at the course.

enroll in a course

Stresses the act of formally registering for the course.

complete a course

Indicates finishing all requirements of the course.

pursue a course of study

Implies a more prolonged and dedicated engagement with the subject matter.

receive training

Focuses on the aspect of gaining skills and knowledge.

be in treatment

Specifies undergoing medical or therapeutic procedures.

start a course

Focuses on the act of beginning the course.

begin a regimen

Suggests starting a structured program, especially in a health context.

FAQs

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

You can use "undergo a course" to describe someone participating in a structured learning or treatment program. For example: "She will "undergo a course" in cognitive behavioral therapy".

What are some alternatives to "undergo a course"?

Alternatives include "take a course", "attend a course", or "participate in a course", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "take a course" or "undergo a course"?

Both are correct, but "take a course" is generally more common and implies active participation, while ""undergo a course"" can suggest a more passive or required process, such as a medical treatment.

What's the difference between "undergo a course" and "follow a course"?

"Undergo a course" typically refers to beginning and completing a structured program, whereas "follow a course" can mean adhering to a particular path or methodology over time.