Common Mistakes : Course

noun

.BAD: I’m taking an intermediate course of English .GOOD: I’m taking an intermediate course in English

: (a course in/on sth (NOT of .I’ve been attending an evening course in business studies .I’m interested in doing a correspondence course in English and Maths .There is also a two-day course on new technology for teachers

.BAD: The boys and girls in my English course come from all over the world .GOOD: The boys and girls on my English course come from all over the world

: In British English you say that someone is on a course .Some of the people on the course came to a few classes and then dropped out .Note that in a course is used in American English

DUBIOUS: We’ll probably go to the cinema or to a discotheque. Of course, since Fiona is my guest, I’ll let her decide GOOD: We’ll probably go to the cinema or to a discotheque. Naturally, since Fiona is my guest, I’ll let her decide

DUBIOUS: The construction of a new motorway is totally unnecessary and of course the local residents are completely against the idea GOOD: The construction of a new motorway is totally unnecessary and, as one would expect, the local residents are completely against the idea

Of course is generally over-used. Common words and phrases that may be used as alternatives include naturally, obviously, clearly, certainly, evidently, predictably, as you/one would expect, as is to be expected, as you know, it is clear/obvious that