acquire degrees

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquire degrees" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of obtaining academic qualifications or certifications from educational institutions. Example: "After years of hard work, she was finally able to acquire degrees in both psychology and sociology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

We want to acquire degrees, to improve our careers and job opportunities.

The Guardian

It is ­significant that the Guardian reports, on the very same day, that the UK's only chair in palaeography is being axed, there being no call for palaeographers at BP, M&S, Dell, etc. Gerry Abbott Manchester Simon Roodhouse argues that plans to involve business in higher education can save costs and allow people to acquire degrees based on the expertise they have gained at work.

The Guardian

And while too few of their students acquire degrees, too many end up saddled with crippling debt".

Huffington Post

And while too few of their students acquire degrees, too many end up saddled with crippling debt". I plan to tell the for-profit colleges that they need to do a better job of making sure their students are getting a good education, are graduating with meaningful degrees, and are able to do so without being saddled with unreasonable debt.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They can provide a genuine option for people of all ages to acquire degree level skills (and degrees) and an experience of higher education through work.

The Guardian

It is also creating more higher-value apprenticeships at levels 4 to 7 in a range of professions, from accountancy to people management and financial services, so that more young people can acquire degree, postgraduate level and professional qualifications while they are earning.

The Guardian

Still, he flirted with the idea of becoming a lawyer and along the way acquired degrees in accounting and finance.

The New York Times

As they acquired degrees, they also became the favorites of members of the old guard like Mandela.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Khan, a bulky man with the mien of a student acquired degrees and aliases at an equal rate.

The New York Times

Once the recession hit, many of us retreated to the fortress of academia and started acquiring degrees.

Huffington Post

Fascinated by the philosophy and teachings of the physicist, engineer and Judo Master, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, Dr. Wildman studied with him for a decade while simultaneously acquiring degrees in Physical Education, Biology and Somatic Psychology.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about educational achievements, use "acquire degrees" to emphasize the process of gaining academic qualifications for career advancement or personal growth. For instance, "Many students acquire degrees to improve their job prospects."

Common error

Avoid substituting "acquire" with overly informal synonyms like "get" in formal writing. While "get degrees" is understandable, "acquire degrees" maintains a professional tone suitable for academic or business contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire degrees" functions as a verb phrase, where "acquire" is the verb and "degrees" is the direct object. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct. It signifies the action of gaining or obtaining academic qualifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acquire degrees" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the process of obtaining academic qualifications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. Its formality ranges from neutral to professional, making it appropriate for academic, business, and news contexts. Related phrases include "earn degrees" and "obtain degrees", which offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis. While "get degrees" is an informal alternative, "acquire degrees" maintains a more polished tone. The phrase is frequently used in discussions about career advancement, personal development, and educational achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earn degrees

Replaces "acquire" with "earn", emphasizing the effort and merit involved.

obtain degrees

Uses "obtain" as a more formal synonym for "acquire", suitable for official contexts.

pursue degrees

Focuses on the active process of seeking and working towards degrees.

attain degrees

Implies a successful reaching of a goal, highlighting the achievement.

gain degrees

Suggests an accumulation of knowledge and qualifications.

achieve degrees

Highlights the accomplishment of earning degrees through effort.

secure degrees

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of gaining degrees.

complete degree programs

Shifts focus to finishing the academic programs, implying a holistic approach.

undertake degree studies

Describes the formal engagement with academic studies leading to degrees.

receive academic qualifications

A more formal way to describe getting academic awards.

FAQs

What does it mean to "acquire degrees"?

To "acquire degrees" means to successfully complete the necessary requirements and earn academic qualifications from an educational institution. It encompasses the effort, study, and achievements involved in obtaining a degree.

What can I say instead of "acquire degrees"?

You can use alternatives like "earn degrees", "obtain degrees", or "pursue degrees" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to say "acquire degrees" or "get degrees"?

"Acquire degrees" is generally considered more formal and professional than "get degrees". While "get degrees" is acceptable in informal contexts, "acquire degrees" is preferred in academic and business writing.

How does "acquire degrees" relate to career advancement?

The phrase "acquire degrees" is often associated with improving career opportunities and job prospects. It suggests that individuals are investing in their education to gain the skills and knowledge needed for professional growth, as demonstrated in examples like "We want to "acquire degrees", to improve our careers and job opportunities".