graduates

USAGE SUMMARY

The word graduates is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word when referring to someone who has completed their studies at a school, college or university. Example sentence: Many of this year's graduates are looking for jobs in the business sector.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This increase in undergraduate students has had a knock on effect, and seen more graduates applying for higher-level study.

The Guardian

Improbable was founded three years ago by a group of computer science graduates from Cambridge, led by Herman Narula.

The Guardian - Tech

The announcement also has united Sweet Briar graduates from around the world in hopes of reversing the decision and the local county attorney has attempted to blunt the closure through the courts.

The Guardian

As a result, we estimate that around one quarter of graduates on the lowest incomes will actually pay back less than under the current system.

The Guardian

Graduates who earn more will repay more each month, so the system is fair and affordable; and those who enter a more lucrative profession will pay a higher rate of interest, and ultimately contribute more to the cost of their university education.

The Guardian

He's minded to keep the property after he graduates rather than sell it to pay off his student loan.

The Guardian - Money

The two women are part of a group of Central Saint Martins graduates, which also includes Giles Deacon and Katie Grand – who came to prominence in the early noughties with a playful, pop sensibility sense of style.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

McEwan also told graduates that they were now standing "on one of life's various summits", warning them not to "be taken in by those who tell you that life is short", because it's "inordinately long".

The Guardian - Books

It also forced graduates to pay back student loans sooner but extended fee help to non-university courses such as diplomas and associate degrees.

The Guardian

And whether they're recent arrivals or freshly-minted graduates, they're being shunted off into low-paying jobs or into precarious underpaid self-employment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although not guaranteed a job at the end of the scheme, more than 88% of the graduates stay in local government, according to latest figures.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "graduates" to refer to a group; use "graduate" when referring to a single person. For instance, "These graduates are seeking employment", versus "This graduate is seeking employment".

Common error

Avoid using "graduate" as a plural form. Always use "graduates" when referring to multiple individuals who have completed their studies. The phrase 'a group of graduate' is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The term "graduates" primarily functions as a noun, denoting individuals who have successfully completed a course of study at an educational institution. As Ludwig AI reports, the word is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show it used in various contexts like employment, further education and general news.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "graduates" refers to individuals who have completed a course of study, typically at a university or college. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its widespread use across diverse sources. The word functions primarily as a noun, used to identify groups of people with academic qualifications. Usage is neutral, common in news, business, and academic contexts. When using "graduates", specify the institution if possible, and always use the plural form when referring to more than one person. Related terms include "alumni" and "degree holders". Avoid common errors, such as using "graduate" as a plural. These insights should help you confidently and accurately use "graduates" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

university alumni

Refers specifically to graduates of a university, highlighting their ongoing connection to the institution.

college graduates

Specifies graduates from a college, which may not always be equivalent to a university.

newly qualified professionals

Emphasizes the professional status achieved upon graduation, focusing on readiness for employment.

degree holders

Highlights the possession of an academic degree as the defining characteristic.

passing out batch

A more informal term indicating a group of students graduating in a particular year.

completers of studies

A formal way of saying graduates with an emphasis on completion of the academic program.

fresh graduates

Highlights the recentness of their graduation, often implying they are new to the job market.

postgraduates

Refers to individuals who have completed a first degree and are undertaking further study.

advanced degree recipients

Focuses on those who have received advanced degrees, such as master's or doctoral degrees.

successful candidates

Highlights the success in completing the course or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "graduates" in a sentence?

You can use "graduates" to refer to people who have finished their studies. For example, "Many of this year's "graduates" are seeking jobs in the tech industry".

What's a good alternative to the word "graduates"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "alumni", "degree holders", or "newly qualified professionals".

Is it correct to say "a graduate" when referring to a group of people?

No, when referring to a group, the correct term is "graduates". "A graduate" refers to a single individual who has completed their studies.

What is the difference between "graduates" and "undergraduates"?

"Graduates" are those who have completed a degree, while "undergraduates" are students who are currently pursuing a degree but have not yet graduated.