attained a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attained a degree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the successful completion of an academic program resulting in a degree. Example: "After four years of hard work, she finally attained a degree in biology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

At the age of 80, she attained a degree in Neuropharmacology and continued to practice well into her 80s.

The New York Times

Timothy had moved from rural Ireland to the east coast of Scotland and had attained a degree of prosperity working for Customs and Excise.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sukumaran, 34, attained a degree in fine arts while in prison in Bali, where he and Chan, 31, were leaders in rehabilitation programs for fellow inmates.

The Guardian

Over time, he also attained a degree of local recognition: girls smiled at him and men slapped him on the back.

The New Yorker

Before sonata, sinfonia, and concerto became clearly defined and attained a degree of mutual exclusion, they often overlapped and were sometimes even equated in meaning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From the moment he attained a degree of literary eminence, Morgan has made himself available to poetry's younger seekers, his combination of reliability and generosity mingling with a distinct personal reserve.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Other pieces attain a degree of profundity.

The New York Times

Yet attaining a degree is a slow, arduous process.

The New York Times - Arts

Such a view goes well beyond the simple hope of attaining a degree of fluency and passing an exam.

The Guardian

"The DSA hasn't just helped me to attain a degree and get an education," she says.

The Guardian

Yet they've all managed to stay true to their outlier roots while attaining a degree of musical adulthood.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attained a degree" to indicate the successful completion of a formal educational program. It can emphasize the effort or process involved in earning the degree.

Common error

While "attained a degree" is perfectly acceptable, it may sound slightly formal in very casual conversations. In informal settings, consider using "got a degree" or "earned a degree" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attained a degree" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of an academic program. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a grammatically correct and usable expression. It specifies that someone has reached a certain academic qualification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

30%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attained a degree" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe the successful completion of an academic qualification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. While versatile, it leans towards formal contexts; consider alternatives like "earned" or "got" a degree in casual settings. The phrase is frequently found in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, highlighting its diverse applicability. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earned a degree

Replaces "attained" with "earned", emphasizing the effort required to obtain the degree.

obtained a degree

Substitutes "attained" with "obtained", focusing on the acquisition of the degree.

received a degree

Replaces "attained" with "received", highlighting the act of being granted the degree.

graduated with a degree

Adds the information about graduation, specifying the completion of an academic program.

completed a degree

Focuses on the completion aspect of the degree program, replacing "attained".

was awarded a degree

Emphasizes the awarding of the degree, using a passive construction.

secured a degree

Highlights the effort in getting the degree.

acquired a degree

Focuses on the gaining or acquiring of the degree.

achieved a degree

Emphasizes the accomplishment of getting the degree.

finished a degree program

Highlights the completion of the program, suggesting a more comprehensive effort.

FAQs

What is an alternative to "attained a degree"?

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

How is "attained a degree" different from "earned a degree"?

"Attained a degree" and "earned a degree" are very similar. "Attained" suggests reaching a certain level or status, while "earned" emphasizes the effort and work put into achieving the degree.

Is it correct to say "attained a degree in [field of study]"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. For example, "She attained a degree in biology." This specifies the field of study in which the degree was earned.

Can "attained a degree" be used for any level of education?

Yes, "attained a degree" can refer to any level of academic qualification, such as an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, or doctoral degree.