Learn English – Is it correct to say “I have class”

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Why do people frequently say:

“Got to run, I have class!” instead of “I have a class!”

Why is the article missing? How can this be some “class in general since” since the speaker apparently means some particular lesson he has to attend? Is it acceptable to say “I have lesson!”?

Best Answer

You can indeed use a determiner with class here if you are referring to a specific class — my class, this class, and so forth. Class can also be used in a non-count way, however. Macmillan notes this under sense 2a:

[countable/uncountable] education a period of time during which a group of students is taught together
- in class: We had to write an essay in class.

In fact, many nouns referring to some set, scheduled activity which preoccupies your time can be used without an article with have, where have is the sense of experiencing something (Macmillan sense 4b).

I'm leaving the party early because I have work tomorrow.

The parish hall is closed while the contraltos have rehearsal.

My oldest son has practice until 5pm during the season.

On Thursdays we have therapy with Dr. Wong and then go out for dinner.

We never see the evening games because my family has church.

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