enroll in a university

USAGE SUMMARY

"enroll in a university" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically means to officially register as a student at a university or college. Example: After graduating high school, Sarah plans to enroll in a university to study business management.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Meanwhile, the number of Chinese who enroll in a university each year has quintupled.

The New York Times

Statistically, Mr. Ng notes, students are much more likely to enroll in a university that they have visited.

The New York Times

In one recent project, the psychologist Uri Simonsohn found that students were more likely to enroll in a university that was famous for its academic rigor if they visited on days that were cloudy.

The New Yorker

According to Mr. Tambar, 100 percent of those who have participated in its Chalo College have gone on to enroll in a university, including top schools like Barnard and New York University.

The New York Times

The State Department's legal adviser, Harold Koh, and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific affairs, Kurt Campbell, worked out a deal that, we're told, allows Chen to get medical treatment, and then move elsewhere in China with his family to enroll in a university.

The New Yorker

Accordingly, most Korean students need to take the test to enroll in a university in Korea.

Language Testing in Asia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Fullard enrolled in a university class in non-fiction writing.

The Guardian

Being a Throbbing Gristle fan was like enrolling in a university course of cultural extremism.

The Guardian - Music

Inter-racial marriages are rising, and 38% of blacks between 18 and 24 were enrolled in a university in 2010.

The Economist

In 2010 38% of blacks between the ages of 18 and 24 were enrolled in a university, and most black Americans are not poor.

The Economist

The first involved a man known as T, who was forced to reveal two police cautions he had received at the age of 11 in connection with two stolen bikes when he applied for a part-time job at a football club and when he enrolled in a university course in sports studies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about education, use "enroll in a university" to clearly indicate the action of formally registering for studies. It's more precise than simply saying "attend".

Common error

Avoid using "attend a university" when you mean to convey the formal act of registration. "Attend" refers to being present, while "enroll" refers to the process of becoming a student.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enroll in a university" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of registering or signing up to become a student at a university. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, confirming its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enroll in a university" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood way to express the act of formally registering as a student at a university. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While alternatives exist, such as "register at a university" or "attend a university", "enroll in a university" is direct and widely accepted in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general discussions. Remember to use "enroll in" when referring to the formal action of becoming a student rather than simply being present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

register at a university

Focuses on the act of registration, implying a formal process of joining the university.

join a university

Emphasizes becoming a member of the university community.

matriculate at a university

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for enrolling.

attend a university

Highlights the act of being present at the university for educational purposes.

get admitted to a university

Focuses on the acceptance process that precedes enrollment.

gain admission to a university

Similar to "get admitted", emphasizing the achievement of being accepted.

enter university

A simpler way of saying someone is starting their university education.

begin studies at a university

Highlights the commencement of academic work at the university.

commence university studies

A more formal phrasing of starting university studies.

pursue higher education

A broader term that encompasses enrolling in any institution of higher learning, not just a university.

FAQs

How is "enroll in a university" used in a sentence?

The phrase "enroll in a university" typically signifies the action of registering as a student. For example: "After graduating high school, she decided to "enroll in a university" to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor."

What's the difference between "enroll in a college" and "enroll in a university"?

While both phrases refer to registering at an educational institution, "enroll in a university" specifies a university, which typically offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, whereas "enroll in a college" can also refer to two-year institutions.

What are some alternatives to "enroll in a university"?

Alternatives include "register at a university", "attend a university", or "join a university", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "enrolling to a university" instead of "enroll in a university"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "enroll" in this context is "in", not "to". "Enroll in a university" is the standard and grammatically correct phrasing.