ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in class

prep. phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

prep. phr.. This means you are in a classroom during a lesson, or attending a scheduled course.

prep. phr.. A prepositional phrase indicating a person's presence and participation in a scheduled period of instruction, typically within an educational institution.


SIMPLE

Please be quiet in class.

CONTEXTUAL

He was always the first person to raise his hand in class.

COMPLEX

The most profound insights often arose not from the lecture itself, but from the spirited discussions that took place in class afterwards.

Usage

Often used without an article ('a' or 'the') to refer to the general activity of attending a lesson.

Teaching tip

Contrast 'in class' (attending the lesson as an activity) with 'in the class' (referring to the specific group of students or the physical room).

Pitfall

I am in the class right now, I'll call you back.I am in class right now, I'll call you back.When referring to the general activity of being in a lesson, no article is needed before 'class'.

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