Question

What is the rationale behind using the definite article before the word "class" in the following sentences?

1) I was in class
2) I have to teach the class
3) What do u wear to class
4) Stretching before class helps

Answer 1

See explanation.

Explanation:

1) it is the class because it is class we know about, the class where the subject usually has his/her lessons.

2) Here the class means a specific group of people whom the subject teaches.

3) Here I would use indefinite article, but I am not sure of it.

4) It only helps before Physical Education (PE) class; it is useless before let's say Maths classes. So here the class describes the speciffic class (subject).