'Course' is a path, a subject you study, or a meal; 'coarse' means rough in texture or rude in manner.
Noun. A programme of study, a route or direction, or a part of a meal. Also used in 'of course'.
She enrolled in an online course on data analysis.
Of course I'll help you with the presentation.
The ship changed course to avoid the storm.
Adjective. Rough in texture or grain. Also used to describe rude or vulgar behaviour and language.
The fabric was too coarse for a formal shirt.
Use coarse salt to season the steak before grilling.
His coarse language made the meeting very uncomfortable.
Common mistake
Writing 'coarse' for a study programme: "I took a coarse in marketing" (correct: course). Or 'course' for texture: "The sandpaper was very course" (correct: coarse).
Trick to remember it
'Course' contains 'our' — you take a course to improve yourself. 'Coarse' ends in -arse, which also appears in 'sparse' (scattered, rough). Rough things are coarse.
Quick rule
Talking about a study programme, route, or meal? 'Course'. Talking about rough texture or rude behaviour? 'Coarse'.
Did you know?
The phrase 'of course' originally meant 'in the course of things' — what naturally follows the expected path of events. Over time it shortened to just express obviousness or certainty.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The hiking trail had a very _____ surface covered in gravel and rocks.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
He completed a six-month _____ in project management before the promotion.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Talking about a study programme, route, or meal? 'Course'. Talking about rough texture or rude behaviour? 'Coarse'.
Writing 'coarse' for a study programme: "I took a coarse in marketing" (correct: course). Or 'course' for texture: "The sandpaper was very course" (correct: coarse).
'Course' contains 'our' — you take a course to improve yourself. 'Coarse' ends in -arse, which also appears in 'sparse' (scattered, rough). Rough things are coarse.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy