a school dropout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a school dropout" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has left school before completing their education. Example: "Despite being a school dropout, she went on to achieve great success in her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

You can't call Xie a school dropout.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not bad for a school dropout.

The New York Times

Ms McCorvey was a school dropout, drug-user and, in 1969, pregnant.

The Economist

The killer was a school dropout from the port of Trabzon.

The Economist

Branson, who was a school dropout, entered into his first successful business venture as a teenager with the magazine Student.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A school dropout who was homeless after leaving the Army, he began amassing his wealth through a career in real estate development in the Southwest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He was a high school dropout, a prototype beach bum.

The Guardian

He was a high school dropout, a jockey.

The New York Times

RS: --and you hadn't, in fact; you were a dropout, a high school dropout.

Huffington Post

Wallace Daniel Radcliffee) is a med school dropout with a broken heart.

The Guardian - Film

His father, a high school dropout, ran a Shell gasoline station.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a school dropout", provide context about their circumstances or subsequent achievements to avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes. Consider if focusing on their lack of formal education is truly relevant to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using the term "a school dropout" in a way that defines a person's entire identity or potential. Focus on their skills, experiences, and accomplishments rather than solely on their educational background.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a school dropout" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive, identifying an individual who has discontinued their formal education. Ludwig confirms its common usage in describing individuals' backgrounds.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a school dropout" is a common noun phrase used to describe someone who has left school before completing their education. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with science and encyclopedias also being common sources. While the phrase is widely understood, it's important to use it with sensitivity, recognizing that it can carry negative connotations. Consider the specific context and whether highlighting an individual's lack of formal education is truly relevant. Alternatives such as "high school dropout" or "early leaver" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high school dropout

Specifies the level of education not completed, focusing on high school.

college dropout

Specifies the level of education not completed, focusing on college or university.

someone who quit school

A more direct and informal way of saying the same thing, using the verb "quit".

academic failure

Focuses on the negative outcome and lack of success in education.

non-graduate

Simply states the absence of graduation, without specifying the level of education.

early leaver

Emphasizes the act of leaving education early, without specifying the reason.

person without a diploma

Highlights the lack of formal qualification obtained through education.

one who discontinued studies

A formal and passive way of describing the termination of studies.

pupil who left school early

Emphasizes the role as a pupil and the early departure from the school system.

undereducated individual

Focuses on the lack of education and potential disadvantages associated with it.

FAQs

How is "a school dropout" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a school dropout" is often used to describe someone who left school prematurely. For instance, "Despite being "a school dropout", he became a successful entrepreneur".

What are some alternative ways to say "a school dropout"?

Alternatives include "high school dropout", "college dropout", or more generally, "early leaver" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "a school dropout" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a school dropout" can be perceived as negative. In formal writing, consider using a more neutral term like "early leaver" or specifying the level of education not completed such as "high school dropout".

What factors can contribute to someone becoming "a school dropout"?

Various factors can lead to someone becoming "a school dropout", including socioeconomic issues, lack of support, disinterest in academics, or personal circumstances. It's important to consider these complexities when using the phrase.