the aerobic/aerobics class

Question

Remy was considering signing up for the aerobic/aerobics class at the gym near her workplace.Hi,Do both aerobic and aerobics fit in the above and mean about the same to you? If not, why not? Thanks.

Mr Wordy · Accepted Answer

To me, it should be "aerobics".

The exercises may be "aerobic", but the class itself isn't.

The difference might be more obvious in:

I'm signing up for electronics classes at the technical college.
I'm signing up for electronic classes at the technical college.

New2grammar · Answer

electronic/electronics labs.
olympic/ olympics games.

I don't get it either .

Mr Wordy · Answer

"electronic labs" literally means that the labs themselves are somehow "electronic". It would literally mean that the labs are robotic, and controlled by electronic equipment, or something like that.

"electronics labs" means that the labs are concerned with research into electronics, which is what's (normally) meant.

However, if a phrase becomes commonly used by everyone then it's pointless to try to claim that it's wrong. "electronic labs" may be at that stage. But the example I gave, "electronic classes", to me sounds really weird if it's supposed to mean "classes that teach electronics" -- despite the numerous Google hits indicating that other people feel differently.

"Olympics Games" is wrong.

"Olympic" is the adjective from "Olympia" which was a place in ancient Greece. "Olympic Games" means "Games (originally) held at Olympia", and so is correct.

New2grammar · Answer

Thanks, Mr. Wordy.

the aerobic/aerobics class

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