English Profile

course · noun

/kɔːrs/Full view

course (CLASSES)

A1 C a set of classes or a plan of study in a particular subject, usually a part of a program of study for a diploma, certificate, or degree

Dictionary examples:

a writing/math/English, etc. course

Mike's six-month paralegal course ends in December.

Which course did you register for/enroll in?

Judy is taking an online course in medical records management.

Learner example:

I like my ESOL course because I want to learn more English and improve my English. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

of course

A1 used to say "yes" and emphasize your answer

Dictionary example:

"Can you help me?" "Of course!"

Learner example:

Yes of course I can come. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

course (MEAL)

A2 C a part of a meal which is served separately from the other parts

Dictionary examples:

a four-course lunch

For my main course, I had fish.

Learner example:

For a main course we like potato with some meat. (Skills for Life (Entry 2); A2; Polish)

of course not

A2 used to say "no" and emphasize your answer

Dictionary example:

"Do you mind if I borrow your pen?" "Of course not."

Learner example:

"Pardon. You said your [u]ncle's will? Would you mind explaining [that], please?" "Of course not!" (First Certificate in English; B2; Catalan)

of course

B1 used to show that what you are saying is obvious or already known

Dictionary example:

Of course, the Olympics are not just about money.

Learner example:

Of course, I met many new people. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

course (SPORTS AREA)

B1 C an area of land or water used for a sports event

Dictionary example:

a golf course

Learner example:

It is a very nice club, it has 20 tennis courts, 2 soccer fields and an 18-hole golf course. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

course of action

C1 something that you can do in a particular situation

Dictionary example:

I think the best course of action would be to write to him.

Learner example:

However, I believe that the best course of action in this case is to give our student a refund. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

during/in/over the course of sth

C1 during a particular time or activity

Dictionary example:

He always chats with waiters and waitresses and becomes their best friends during the course of dinner.

Learner example:

During the course of my studies and internship, I worked not only with people suffering from certain disorders, but also with people who faced problems in interpersonal relationships. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

course (ROUTE)

C1 C or U the route that a car, ship, aircraft, etc., is following or the route a river flows along

Dictionary example:

During the storm, the boat was blown off course.

Learner example:

Anyway, you will drive a certain course with an examiner, who will [check] your skills. The best way to prepare for this test is to drive the same course several times before the test. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Korean)

a matter of course

C1 If something happens as a matter of course, it always happens as part of the normal process or system.

Dictionary example:

Babies were tested for the disease as a matter of course.

Learner example:

The transform[ation] has succeeded so far and caused enormous changes in ordinary life as a matter of course, including eating habits. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Korean)

course (DEVELOPMENT)

C2 no plural the way something develops, usually over a long time

Dictionary example:

Nuclear weapons have changed the course of modern history.

Learner example:

Civilizations have appeared changing the course of history and they have also disappeared, but they have all left something as a heritage or a legacy. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)