take a course

Meaning

This phrase means to enroll in and complete a series of lessons or a unit of study on a specific subject. It is widely used in schools, universities, and online learning platforms. The tone is neutral and very common in everyday conversation.

Examples

• I decided to take a course in creative writing this semester.

  I decided to take a course in creative writing this semester.

• Are you going to take a course to improve your programming skills?

  Are you going to take a course to improve your programming skills?

• She had to take a course in statistics as a prerequisite for her degree.

  She had to take a course in statistics as a prerequisite for her degree.

• Taking an online course allows me to study at my own pace.

  Taking an online course allows me to study at my own pace.

• My advisor suggested I take a course on environmental science.

  My advisor suggested I take a course on environmental science.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am making a course in marketing.

  ✓ I am taking a course in marketing.

  In English, we do not 'make' a course; we 'take' or 'do' a course. 'Take' is the most common and natural collocation.

• ✗ I want to take a course of English.

  ✓ I want to take an English course.

  Use 'take a course in/on [subject]' or '[subject] course', rather than 'course of [subject]'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I want to improve my photography, so I think I will ___ this summer.

  💡 Enroll in a class or series of lessons.

  Show answer

  take a course

• You need to ___ in chemistry before you can apply for the biology program.

  💡 Sign up for and complete a study program.

  Show answer

  take a course