earn tenure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earn tenure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in academic contexts to refer to the process by which a professor or academic staff member secures a permanent position after demonstrating their qualifications and contributions to their field. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, she finally earned tenure at the university, securing her position for life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

It makes assistant professors work harder to earn tenure.

The New York Times

Superintendents are the only administrators who cannot earn tenure.

The New York Times

Public-school teachers typically earn tenure after two or three years on probation.

The New York Times

It is also urging principals to get rid of sub-par novices before they earn tenure.

The New York Times

However, the number of years that it should take to earn tenure does not get to the heart of the problem.

The New York Times

All Ph.D.'s face the long slog of competing for a junior position, writing grants and conducting enough research to earn tenure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

She earned tenure this year at St. Martin's.

The New York Times

He earned tenure in 1962 and had appointments in both the Economics Department and the Sloan School of Management.

The New York Times

Only 55 percent of eligible teachers, having worked for at least three years, earned tenure in 2012, compared with 97 percent in 2007.

The New York Times

In Canada, the University of British Columbia in Vancouver hired me for a piano professorship in 2003, and in 2008 I earned tenure.

The New York Times

Permanent councils on equity and diversity have been established, more women are earning tenure, and salaries for women on the faculty have risen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about academic careers, use "earn tenure" to emphasize the effort and achievements required to secure a permanent position.

Common error

Avoid implying that tenure is solely based on years of service. While time is a factor, "earn tenure" suggests a process involving performance, research, and contributions to the academic community, not just seniority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earn tenure" functions as a verb phrase where "earn" acts as a transitive verb, and "tenure" is the direct object. It describes the action of achieving a permanent academic position. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Huffington Post

4%

Los Angeles Times

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earn tenure" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of achieving a permanent academic position. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples from reputable sources. The phrase emphasizes the effort, dedication, and qualifications required to secure tenure, making it a formal and professional term. While alternatives like "gain tenure" and "achieve tenure" exist, "earn tenure" specifically highlights the merit-based nature of the process. It is crucial to avoid implying that tenure is solely based on seniority, as it involves a comprehensive evaluation of performance and contributions to the academic community.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve tenure

Focuses on the accomplishment of securing tenure, emphasizing the effort involved.

obtain tenure

Suggests acquiring or receiving tenure, often through a formal process.

secure tenure

Highlights the act of making tenure certain or safe, emphasizing stability.

gain tenure

Similar to 'obtain', but may imply a more gradual process of acquiring tenure.

win tenure

Implies a competitive aspect to achieving tenure, like a contest.

be granted tenure

Emphasizes the act of being awarded tenure by an institution.

be awarded tenure

Similar to 'be granted tenure', highlighting the formal recognition.

qualify for tenure

Focuses on meeting the necessary criteria to be eligible for tenure.

merit tenure

Suggests that tenure is deserved based on performance and contributions.

attain a tenured position

Emphasizes the resulting status of having tenure as a professor.

FAQs

How is "earn tenure" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "earn tenure" is commonly used to describe the process by which academics achieve a permanent position at a university. For example: "After years of research, she finally "achieved tenure"."

What are some alternatives to "earn tenure"?

You can use alternatives like "gain tenure", "obtain tenure", or "secure tenure" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "earn tenure" and "get tenure"?

"Earn tenure" implies a process of hard work and achievement, while "get tenure" is more general and doesn't necessarily emphasize the effort involved. Using "earn tenure" highlights the merit-based nature of the process.

Which factors are considered when trying to "earn tenure"?

Factors such as research output, teaching effectiveness, and service to the university are typically considered. The specific criteria vary by institution, but demonstrating excellence in these areas is essential to "qualify for tenure".