acquired a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquired a degree" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used whenever you want to convey that someone has earned a degree or completed a course of study. Example: After years of hard work and dedication, she finally acquired a degree in engineering.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Even at its first showing it acquired a degree of notoriety.

The Guardian

Banti acquired a degree in art and became literary editor of the important arts journal Paragone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1927 in Bandung, where he had just acquired a degree in civil engineering, he found his true calling in oratory and politics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some aspects of calorie-deprivation diets may sound familiar because of the Calorie Restriction Society, a group of several hundred men and women who have acquired a degree of notoriety by harshly curtailing their food consumption.

The New York Times - Magazine

Montserrat's life had long revolved around Triana, who attended a private school and acquired a degree of small-town sophistication that her mother – raised in a country village – could never match.

The Guardian

In the meantime, he acquired a degree from the University of California; worked for the family newspaper, the Oakland Tribune; and chaired the executive committee of the Republican National Committee.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Some musicians slowly acquire a degree of absolute pitch, if only for the familiar a′ = 440.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After acquiring a degree (and a secret fiancée) at Berkeley — "It is possible to get an education at a university.

The New York Times - Books

If you were to acquire a degree in one of these programs, how might you use it in your own community and/or elsewhere in the world?

The New York Times

She worked for a year as a secretary and attended nightschool to acquire a degree in education, then became a teacher of history and English at secondary schools in suburban Cleveland.

The New York Times

A quiet child fond of music, he was sent to toughen up at boarding school and detested it, later drifting through a series of educational establishments while neglecting to acquire a degree.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone's educational background, specify the type of degree (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate) and the field of study for clarity and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using the present tense when describing a completed educational achievement. Instead of saying "He acquires a degree", use the past tense: "He acquired a degree".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquired a degree" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the completion of an academic qualification. It expresses that an individual has successfully earned a degree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acquired a degree" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that someone has successfully completed their studies and obtained an academic qualification. Ludwig AI confirms this, and while not extremely frequent, the phrase is found across various reputable sources such as news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, it's advisable to specify the type of degree and field of study for added clarity. Alternative phrases like "earned a degree" or "obtained a degree" can be used depending on the context. Avoid using the present tense incorrectly when describing the completed action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Earned a degree

Focuses on the effort and work involved in obtaining the degree.

Obtained a degree

A more formal and direct synonym emphasizing the act of receiving the degree.

Received a degree

Highlights the act of being awarded the degree.

Completed a degree

Emphasizes the finished nature of the academic program.

Graduated with a degree

Focuses on the graduation aspect after completing the academic program.

Attained a degree

A more formal synonym emphasizing the achievement of getting the degree.

Secured a degree

Highlights the effort and potential competition in getting the degree.

Was awarded a degree

Focuses on the formal process of being given the degree.

Finished a degree program

Emphasizes completing the full program required for the degree.

Achieved a degree

Highlights the accomplishment and success in earning the degree.

FAQs

How to use "acquired a degree" in a sentence?

You can use "acquired a degree" to indicate that someone has successfully completed their studies and received an academic qualification. For instance, "She acquired a degree in engineering after four years of study".

What can I say instead of "acquired a degree"?

You can use alternatives like "earned a degree", "obtained a degree", or "received a degree" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "acquired a degree" or "acquiring a degree"?

"Acquired a degree" is used when referring to a completed action of earning a degree. "Acquiring a degree" is used when referring to the process of earning a degree.

Is it correct to say "acquired his degree"?

Yes, it is correct to say "acquired his degree". The possessive pronoun simply clarifies whose degree is being referred to.