Meaning & use
special courses
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Meaning
nounplural
Classes or training programs designed for a particular purpose or group, not part of the usual school or college program.
Grammar: Always plural in this form; for one class, say "a special course."
Patterns
- special courses in something
- special courses for someone
- take special courses
The university offers special courses in business English for international students.
She took special courses in cooking during the summer holiday.
Our company runs special courses to help new managers lead teams.
Common combinations
- offer special courses
- The college offers special courses in computer programming.
- take special courses
- He took special courses to improve his writing.
- special courses in something
- They run special courses in first aid for teachers.
- special courses for someone
- There are special courses for adults returning to study.
Synonyms and how they differ
- electives
- Electives are optional classes within a normal program; special courses are often extra programs with a specific purpose.
- workshops
- Workshops are usually short, practical sessions; special courses can be longer and more structured.
Word family
- special course noun
- The singular form: one class or training program for a particular purpose.
Commonly confused: special courses or special classes?
special courses vs special classes
"Special classes" often means classes for students with particular needs, while "special courses" usually means courses with a special subject or purpose.
Practice
The language school runs ______ for students who need extra help with writing.
Choose one answer.
"Special courses" is the plural form that fits the plural idea of several classes. "Special course" would need an article like "a" or "the," and "a special courses" is not grammatical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “special courses”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.