commencing a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commencing a degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the start of an academic program or course of study at a college or university. Example: "I am excited about commencing a degree in environmental science this fall."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Craig Docherty, 23, then vice-president of Stirling University's computing club and about to commence a research degree in computing science, responded to a call from the local council for help with its autism strategy.

The Guardian

According to the Department of Employment, Training and Youth Affairs [ 19], approximately 8,000 students commenced a nursing degree each year and about 4,800 of those could be expected to complete within four years.

BMC Health Services Research

As Barack Obama's second year as president commences, a degree of political soul-searching looks likely.

The Guardian - Opinion

Get a degree.

WikiHow

When it loses the edge, it commences a recovery strategy.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Mr. Theofan said the city would commence a nationwide search.

The New York Times

But then he commenced a soliloquy that lasted 20 minutes.

The New York Times

Therefore, we commenced a more direct assessment.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Then commenced a rapid-fire cross-examination.

Los Angeles Times

The U.S. Army War College will commence an investigation into the plagiarism allegations on Aug. 15; it could result in the revocation of his degree.

Huffington Post

The number of Indian and Chinese students commencing degrees in Australia - as opposed to simply applying - surged by about 50% in the first half of this year, while numbers from the established markets of Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand all fell.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "commencing a degree" is grammatically correct, consider your audience. In less formal contexts, "starting a degree" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "commencing a degree" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound unnecessarily stilted or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "starting a degree" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commencing a degree" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the initiation of an academic program. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "commencing a degree" is a grammatically sound way to express the beginning of an academic program. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. However, it's relatively infrequent and leans towards formal contexts. While correct, consider alternatives like "starting a degree" for broader appeal. When writing, be mindful of your audience and choose the phrase that best fits the overall tone and register of your piece. Other options, such as "beginning a degree course" or "embarking on a degree", offer nuanced ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting a degree program

Replaces "commencing" with the more common "starting" and explicitly includes "program".

beginning a degree course

Uses "beginning" instead of "commencing" and "course" instead of "degree".

embarking on a degree

Employs "embarking on" to suggest a more significant undertaking.

undertaking a degree

Uses "undertaking" to emphasize the commitment involved.

pursuing a degree

Focuses on the active process of seeking a degree.

enrolling in a degree program

Highlights the act of registering for a specific program.

initiating degree studies

Replaces "commencing" with "initiating" and uses the broader term "studies".

starting one's degree

Uses "starting" instead of "commencing" and uses the more possessive tone.

launching into a degree

Uses "launching into" to convey a sense of energetic commencement.

taking up a degree

Uses "taking up" to indicate starting a degree.

FAQs

What does "commencing a degree" mean?

The phrase "commencing a degree" means beginning or starting a course of study that leads to an academic qualification.

Is it better to say "commencing a degree" or "starting a degree"?

While both are correct, "starting a degree" is generally more common and less formal. "Commencing" might be preferred in formal or official contexts.

What are some synonyms for "commencing a degree"?

Synonyms include "beginning a degree course", "embarking on a degree", or "pursuing a degree".

How can I use "commencing a degree" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "After working for five years, she is commencing a degree in engineering." Alternatively, you can say "She is commencing a degree in engineering after working for five years."