after graduation

USAGE SUMMARY

"after graduation" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that will take place after completing a course of study. For example: "I plan on looking for a job in marketing after graduation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was hired after graduation.

The New York Times

We then got married after graduation.

The Guardian

He joined the Navy shortly after graduation.

The New York Times

After graduation, however, Mr. Almonte began changing.

The New York Times

After graduation she was at loose ends.

The New York Times - Arts

He continued there full time after graduation.

The New York Times

I can think about salary after graduation".

The New York Times

But after graduation, he gravitated toward finance.

The New York Times

After graduation, went back to Germany.

The New Yorker

They got married after graduation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Your after-graduation earnings are permanent".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "after graduation" with a specific timeframe to clarify events. For example, "a month after graduation" or "a year after graduation" adds precision.

Common error

Avoid using "after graduation" when you actually mean "during" or "before" your studies. "After graduation" specifically refers to the period following the completion of academic requirements.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrases like "after graduation" typically modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing information about time or circumstance. Here, it functions as an adverbial modifier indicating when an event occurs relative to the act of graduating. Ludwig's examples highlight this temporal aspect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "after graduation" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe events happening subsequent to completing an academic program. As demonstrated by Ludwig's AI, its use is widespread across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. To ensure clarity, consider specifying the timeframe relative to graduation. While versatile, "after graduation" should not be misused to describe events happening during or before one's studies. Alternative phrases such as "post-graduation" or "following graduation" can offer variety while maintaining precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

post-graduation

This alternative uses a prefix to indicate "after graduation", creating a more concise form.

following graduation

This phrase uses a participle clause to convey the same temporal sequence.

upon graduating

This uses a gerund phrase emphasizing the moment of graduation as the starting point.

subsequent to graduation

This is a more formal way of saying "after graduation", suitable for academic or professional contexts.

after completion of studies

This alternative focuses on the completion of studies rather than the graduation ceremony itself.

once I graduate

This alternative uses a full clause, specifying the subject and verb.

in the wake of graduation

This phrase uses a metaphorical expression to indicate the period following graduation.

with diploma in hand

This phrase is more figurative, emphasizing the achievement of graduation.

newly graduated

This focuses on the state of being a recent graduate.

fresh out of college

This is an informal way of saying "recently graduated from college".

FAQs

How can I use "after graduation" in a sentence?

Use "after graduation" to indicate events or plans that occur following the completion of an academic program. For example, "I plan to travel "after graduation"" or "She got a job "after graduation"".

What are some alternatives to saying "after graduation"?

You can use phrases like "post-graduation", "following graduation", or "upon graduating" as alternatives to "after graduation", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "after graduate" instead of "after graduation"?

No, "after graduate" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "after graduation", where "graduation" is a noun referring to the act of graduating.

What's the difference between "after graduation" and "before graduation"?

"After graduation" refers to the period following the completion of an academic program, while "before graduation" refers to the period leading up to the completion of the program. They represent opposite temporal frames.