an intern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person who is undergoing practical training in a professional environment, often as part of their education. Example: "She started her career as an intern at a marketing firm, gaining valuable experience in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mentions an intern named Jas.

The New Yorker

Previously: Hiring an Intern?

Harvard Business Review

She is an intern.

The New York Times

I'm an intern there.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Can an intern be an "official"?

The New York Times

I thought he was an intern.

The New York Times - Magazine

Another friend hires Una as an intern.

The New Yorker

(I am currently an intern at Google).

The New York Times

But I hated being an intern.

The New York Times

"I feel like an intern," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

A dog bit an intern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal communication, consider alternatives such as "trainee" or "junior associate" to convey a more professional tone, especially when addressing someone in a senior position.

Common error

Avoid assigning tasks to "an intern" that require extensive experience or specialized knowledge, as their role is primarily for learning and development. Clearly define the scope of their responsibilities to align with their skill level and training objectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intern" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a person who is undertaking a period of practical work experience. It serves to name and categorize an individual in a specific professional role, often for a limited duration, as showcased in various examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intern" is a noun phrase commonly used to describe an individual undertaking practical training in a professional setting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Academia. While neutral in register, it's essential to consider alternatives like "trainee" or "junior employee" in more formal communications. Common errors involve misjudging the intern's capabilities and scope of responsibility. By following best practices and avoiding these pitfalls, you can effectively use "an intern" in your writing to convey accurate and professional information. Ludwig's extensive examples showcase the breadth of its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trainee

Focuses on the training aspect of the role, emphasizing learning and development.

a placement student

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the role, often as part of a university program.

a junior employee

Highlights the hierarchical position within a company, indicating someone with less experience.

a co-op student

Specifies a structured educational program with alternating periods of academic study and work experience.

an apprentice

Suggests a more hands-on, skill-based learning experience, often in a trade.

a temporary worker

Highlights the limited duration of the employment, without necessarily implying a learning component.

a pre-professional

Highlights someone preparing for a specific profession through practical experience.

a new recruit

Focuses on the recent entry into a company or organization.

a short-term hire

Emphasizes the limited duration of employment.

a volunteer

Implies unpaid work, primarily for non-profit organizations and altruistic reasons.

FAQs

How can I use "an intern" in a sentence?

You can use "an intern" to describe someone who is gaining practical work experience. For example, "She worked as "an intern" at a law firm during the summer."

What are some alternatives to "an intern"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a trainee", "a junior employee", or "a placement student".

Is it correct to use "an intern" or should I use "a intern"?

It is correct to use "an intern" because the word "intern" starts with a vowel sound. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, while "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

What are the typical responsibilities of "an intern"?

The responsibilities of "an intern" can vary greatly depending on the industry and company. Common tasks include assisting with research, administrative duties, and project support. The role is designed to provide practical experience and learning opportunities.