In/over the course of… Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Time Span Use it to show something occurred during a specific, often lengthy, time frame. He learned to play the guitar over the course of a year. Pro Tip 2/3Many Instances Implies various events or actions happening within the time period mentioned. They launched multiple products in the course of the quarter. Pro Tip 3/3Gradual Development Highlights a change or development that happens gradually, not suddenly. In the course of the semester, her English improved significantly.