Meaning & use
introductory course
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
a first class or set of classes that teaches the basic ideas of a subject
Grammar: Countable; use 'an introductory course in' or 'an introductory course on' before the subject.
Patterns
- an introductory course in something
- an introductory course on something
- take an introductory course
- teach an introductory course
I took an introductory course in economics during my first year.
The university offers an introductory course on computer programming for beginners.
She teaches an introductory course in biology to students who have no science background.
Word forms
| plural | introductory courses |
|---|
Common combinations
- take an introductory course
- Most students take an introductory course before choosing a major.
- an introductory course in economics
- He signed up for an introductory course in economics.
- an introductory course on programming
- The online platform has a free introductory course on programming.
- a one-semester introductory course
- The department requires a one-semester introductory course.
Synonyms and how they differ
- beginner's course
- More informal and often used for hobbies or practical skills, not academic subjects.
- foundation course
- Often used in British English for a course that prepares you for further study.
- primer
- A short book or course giving basic information; slightly formal.
Opposites
Word family
- introduce verb
- To present something for the first time or bring something into use.
- introduction noun
- The act of bringing something in, or the first part of a book or talk.
- introductory adjective
- Serving as an introduction; basic and aimed at beginners.
Commonly confused: introductory course or introduction course?
introductory course vs introduction course
This is not the normal phrase. Use 'introductory course' as the adjective before the noun.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'introductory course' correctly?
Choose one answer.
An introductory course is for beginners and comes before advanced study, so taking it before the advanced class fits. The other options describe expert-level or advanced requirements, which contradict the meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “introductory course”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.