Words / B2

KORS/kɔːs/

Coarse means rough in texture, rude in language, or (of particles) not fine: coarse sand; coarse language. Course is a programme of study or a route (already in the dictionary) — classic homophone trap. Describe coarse sand in the sediment log. Mix-up: course / cause. Do not write coarse for a university course.

Meaning

Rough in texture, or rude in language; also (of particles) not fine.

Examples

• “Describe coarse sand in the sediment log, not a playground insult.”
• “Coarse humour in the extract still needs a language comment, which is the vulgar sense.”

Good to know

coarse sand / grain / language; coarsely. Homophone: course. Trap: cause. Geography, literature, and science. Rough, not fine, or vulgar — not a school course.

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