What is course? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of course in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of course

coursenoun

/kɔːs/
Definition & pronunciation of course

Usage and examples with the word course in English

Okay, let's break down how to use the word "course" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Courses (as in educational programs):

  • Meaning: A planned series of lessons or study on a particular subject.
  • Examples:
    • "I'm taking a course in graphic design this semester."
    • "She’s enrolled in a course on marine biology."
    • "The university offers a wide range of courses in the humanities."
    • "Online courses are a great way to learn new skills."
    • "He completed a course in project management."

2. Courses (as in a meal):

  • Meaning: A specific dish served as part of a multi-course meal.
  • Examples:
    • "The restaurant offered a four-course meal." (meaning four dishes)
    • "The appetizer was a lovely crab course."
    • "We started with a soup course followed by the main dish."

3. Course (as in direction or path):

  • Meaning: The route or direction something is taking; a trajectory. This is a more figurative usage.
  • Examples:
    • "The river follows its natural course."
    • "His career has taken a difficult course." (meaning direction)
    • "The argument took a dangerous course." (meaning direction/development)
    • “The investigation is following a promising course.”

4. Course (as in a sporting event):

  • Meaning: A segment of a competition, typically in racing or golf.
  • Examples:
    • "He won the first course of the race." (in running)
    • "She played a strong course in the golf tournament." (a section of the golf links)

5. Course (as in a method or procedure):

  • Meaning: A method of doing something; a way of proceeding.
  • Examples:
    • “Follow the course of treatment recommended by your doctor.”
    • “The company followed a strict course of action.”

Here's a breakdown of how to tell the different meanings apart:

  • Education: Almost always followed by “in” (e.g., “a course in history”).
  • Food: Often described as "a course of a meal” (e.g., “the soup course”).
  • Direction/Path: Generally used in a more descriptive, less literal way.
  • Sporting Event/Competition: Uses “course” as part of the larger event description.

Resources for more examples and further learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "course"? (e.g., "I'm writing an essay about education," or "I'm describing a meal," or something else?)

Synonyms for the word course

Idioms of the word course

be on a collision course (with somebody/something)
to be in a situation that is almost certain to cause an argument
  • I was on a collision course with my boss over the sales figures.
to be moving in a direction in which it is likely that you will crash into somebody/something
  • A giant iceberg was on a collision course with the ship.
be par for the course
(disapproving)to be just what you would expect to happen or expect somebody to do in a particular situation
  • Starting early and working long hours is par for the course in this job.
horses for courses
(British English)the act of matching people with suitable jobs or tasks
    in course of something
    (formal)going through a particular process
    • The new textbook is in course of preparation.
    in/over the course of…
    during
    • He's seen many changes in the course of his long life.
    • The company faces major challenges over the course of the next few years.
    in the course of time
    when enough time has passed
    • It is possible that in the course of time a cure for cancer will be found.
    • In the course of time, I began to understand.
    in due course
    at the right time and not before
    • Your request will be dealt with in due course.
    in the ordinary, normal, etc. course of events, things, etc.
    as things usually happen
    • In the normal course of things we would not treat her disappearance as suspicious.
    • In the normal course of events, you should get a reply by Monday.
    let nature take its course
    to allow natural processes to happen, without trying to stop or change them (used especially in the context of illness)
    • The midwife must judge when to let nature take its course and when to intervene.
    • When the dog responded so badly to the treatment, we decided to let nature take its course.
    (as) a matter of course
    (as) the usual and correct thing to do
    • We always check people's addresses as a matter of course.
    (steer, take, etc.) a middle course | (find, etc.) a/the middle way
    (to take/find) an acceptable course of action that avoids two extreme positions
      of course
      informalused to emphasize that what you are saying is true or correct
      • ‘Don't you like my mother?’ ‘Of course I do!’
      • ‘Will you be there?’ ‘Course I will.’
      informalused as a polite way of giving somebody permission to do something
      • ‘Can I come, too?’ ‘Course you can.’
      • ‘Can I have one of those pens?’ ‘Of course—help yourself.’
      used as a polite way of agreeing with what somebody has just said
      • ‘I did all I could to help.’ ‘Of course,’ he murmured gently.
      used to show that what you are saying is not surprising or is generally known or accepted
      • Ben, of course, was the last to arrive.
      • Of course, there are other ways of doing this.
      of course not
      used to emphasize the fact that you are saying ‘no’
      • ‘Are you going?’ ‘Of course not.’
      • ‘Do you mind?’ ‘No, of course not.’
      on course for something/to do something
      likely to achieve or do something because you have already started to do it
      • The American economy is on course for higher inflation than Britain by the end of the year.
      • Victory in Saturday’s match will put them on course to qualify for the European championships.
      pervert the course of justice
      (law)to tell a lie or to do something in order to prevent the police, etc. from finding out the truth about a crime
        run/take its course
        to develop in the usual way and come to the usual end
        • Sometimes it is better to simply let stress and grief run their course.
        • With minor ailments the best thing is often to let nature take its course.
        stay the course
        to continue doing something until it has finished or been completed, even though it is difficult
        • Very few of the trainees have stayed the course.
        • He insists that he will not quit but will stay the course.

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