a former student of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a former student of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe someone who used to attend a certain school, college, university, or other educational institution. For example: "Riley was a former student of Smith College and is now working as a lawyer in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a former student of hers, Allyce Wood.

The New York Times - Arts

Bech encounters Wendell Morrison, a former student of his.

The New Yorker

He is a former student of Patrick Suppes.

Stanford University

But the actor was a ringer, a former student of the professor's.

The New York Times

Rabbi Samson is a former student of the second Rabbi Kook.

The New Yorker

Most disabling of all, however, is that Marina is a former student of Dr. Swenson's.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Abraham, a former student of Mr. Solomons's, was the night's spring chicken.

The New York Times - Arts

Andrew Shapiro, a former student of Mr Lessig's, also knows about Internet law.

The Economist

In 1950 he married Cornelia Langer, a former student of the sculptor David Smith.

The New York Times - Arts

As a former student of business, Kamara talks about the subject with a strong passion.

The Guardian

The writer, a former student of Mearsheimer and Walt, is a doctoral student in political science.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a former student of", ensure you provide context by specifying the institution, teacher, or field of study to give the reader a clearer understanding of the relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "a former student of" without providing sufficient context. Always specify who the student studied with or where they studied to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a former student of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, specifying a past educational relationship. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is a common way to indicate that someone was once a student under a particular teacher or at an institution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

16%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a former student of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a past educational relationship. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is widely applicable across diverse contexts. Its primary function is to provide background and context, establishing credibility or connection. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic writing, demonstrating its versatility and widespread acceptance. Consider providing specific details about the institution or teacher to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "an alumnus of" or "a graduate of" may suit more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a past pupil of

This alternative is similar, using 'pupil' which can imply a more direct teaching relationship.

once a student of

This alternative emphasizes the past nature of the student status.

used to be a student of

This alternative phrase emphasizes the temporal aspect.

an alumnus of

This alternative is more formal and typically refers to university graduates.

a graduate of

This alternative specifies completion of a program of study.

previously studied under

This alternative highlights the mentorship aspect of the relationship.

a one-time student of

This alternative emphasizes that the student-teacher relationship happened only once.

studied with

This alternative is less specific, indicating study in the same place.

attended the classes of

This alternative focuses on attendance of lessons instead of the student-teacher relation.

mentored by

This alternative highlights that the teacher was a mentor of the student.

FAQs

How do I properly use "a former student of" in a sentence?

Use "a former student of" to indicate someone who previously studied under a particular teacher or at a specific institution. For example, "She is "a former student of" Professor Smith from Harvard University".

What are some alternatives to saying "a former student of"?

You can use phrases like "an alumnus of", "a graduate of", or "a past pupil of" depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "a former student of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a former student of" is appropriate in formal writing. However, consider alternatives like "an alumnus of" or "a graduate of" for an even more formal tone.

What's the difference between "a former student of" and "a student of"?

"A student of" refers to someone currently studying, while ""a former student of"" indicates that the person has completed their studies or is no longer enrolled.