at convocation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at convocation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a formal gathering or ceremony, often related to academic institutions, such as graduation ceremonies. Example: "The graduates were filled with pride as they walked across the stage at convocation to receive their diplomas."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Students do not receive their diplomas at Convocation or Commencement.

Cornell University

On Saturday, Ms. Dittmer addressed her classmates at Convocation Day, urging them to retain their school friendships in the future.

The New York Times

An video stream of Steven N. Jones speech at convocation is now online.

Cornell University

At convocation, where Mr. Trump spoke, it is compulsory for students who live on campus to attend, with one or two exceptions.

The New York Times

Later that evening, the Class of 2021 began its Columbia journey under white tents on Low Plaza at Convocation.

Columbia University

Members of the Class of 2019 and their families were welcomed into the Columbia family at Convocation on August 31.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Now, I've never been present at convocations of candidates for other big literary prizes like the Booker, whose predominantly male shortlists are all too common.

The Guardian - Books

In the months that followed, at convocations across Europe, between sixty thousand and a hundred thousand people came forward and knelt to "take the Cross".

The New Yorker

The band usually performs at convocations and community parades.

Forbes

The 2005 Alumni Awards will be presented at Alumni Convocation at 10 30 a.m.

University of Chicago

Bernie Sanders made a campaign stop in Manassas, Virginia just hours after speaking at a convocation at Liberty University in Lynchburg.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at convocation" to specifically denote actions or events occurring during a formal academic gathering, such as the welcoming of new students or the awarding of honors. This phrase clearly situates the event within an academic context.

Common error

Avoid using "at convocation" to describe general meetings or informal gatherings. This phrase is specifically tied to formal academic ceremonies; using it elsewhere can sound pretentious or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at convocation" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the location or time of an event. Ludwig AI, based on the available examples, confirms its correct usage in academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

75%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at convocation" is a prepositional phrase correctly used to describe events occurring during a formal academic gathering. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and best suited for academic or formal contexts. Its frequency is uncommon, with most examples stemming from academic and news sources. When aiming for less formal language, alternatives like "during the ceremony" may be more appropriate. Using "at convocation" precisely helps maintain the appropriate register and avoids misuse in non-academic situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the convocation ceremony

Specifies the event as a ceremony.

at the commencement

Uses a synonym for convocation, implying a graduation or similar ceremony.

during the opening ceremony

Refers to the initial event of a formal gathering.

at the academic ceremony

More generic reference to a formal academic event.

during the graduation

Refers specifically to the graduation event within the convocation.

at the formal assembly

Uses a more general term for the gathering.

while convening

Focuses on the action of gathering together.

at the university gathering

Highlights the location and nature of the event.

during the assembly

A simpler way to indicate the time frame of the action.

in the presence of the graduating class

Focuses on the audience present at the event.

FAQs

How can I use "at convocation" in a sentence?

You can use "at convocation" to describe events that happen during a formal academic gathering. For example, "Awards were presented "at convocation"" or "The president spoke "at convocation"".

What is the difference between "at convocation" and "at commencement"?

"At convocation" typically refers to the ceremony marking the beginning of an academic year or a significant event, while "at commencement" refers specifically to the graduation ceremony. They both denote formal academic gatherings but at different points in the academic timeline.

What can I say instead of "at convocation" to sound less formal?

If you want to sound less formal, you could say "during the ceremony" or "at the graduation event". These options are less specific to academic institutions and may be suitable for a broader audience.

Is it correct to say "in convocation" instead of "at convocation"?

While "in convocation" might be technically understandable, "at convocation" is the more common and accepted phrasing, according to Ludwig AI. "At convocation" is more naturally used to describe events taking place during the gathering.