graduates for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "graduates for" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express the purpose or outcome of a graduation, but it lacks clarity without additional context. Example: "The program prepares graduates for successful careers in technology."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Recent college graduates, for example, will not benefit.

The New York Times

Postgraduates generally compete with recent graduates for positions.

The Guardian

Recent college graduates, for instance, are still stymied by the job market.

The New York Times

The skills learned at business school prepare graduates for a wide range of careers.

The Economist

It continued to train its graduates for high-level staff and command positions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The effort would better prepare high school graduates for college or the workplace, he said.

The New York Times

This echoes a general desire among Generation Y graduates for a more progressive way of working.

The Guardian

The evidence suggests that employers are recruiting graduates for jobs outside their specialisms.

The Guardian

Universities are preparing graduates for 21st-century lives and careers in complex and unpredictable future.

The Guardian

The latest figures showed the biggest drop in unemployment for new graduates for 15 years.

The Guardian - Money

The NCCA fielded 55 graduates for the making of James Cameron's Avatar alone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, replace "graduates for" with more precise alternatives like "graduates of" or "graduates prepared for" depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "graduates for" when you can specify the purpose or destination more clearly. For example, instead of saying "graduates for jobs", specify "graduates prepared for entry-level positions" to make your writing more professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "graduates for" functions as a noun followed by a preposition, often intended to describe the purpose or destination related to graduates. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically questionable and lacks clarity. Better alternatives exist to convey the intended meaning more effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "graduates for" is commonly encountered, it's grammatically questionable and often lacks clarity. Ludwig AI emphasizes that it's better to use more precise alternatives like "graduates of" or "graduates prepared for" depending on the context. The phrase is prevalent in news, science, and business contexts, but clarity can always be improved by choosing more descriptive alternatives. By being mindful of the intended meaning and opting for more grammatically sound phrases, you can ensure your writing is both professional and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

graduates to

Replaces 'for' with 'to', altering the preposition but keeping the general sense of direction or purpose.

graduates pursuing

Specifies the action or goal the graduates are undertaking, adding a more active voice.

graduates entering

Focuses on the entry point or field the graduates are moving into, providing a sense of transition.

graduates in

Indicates a field or area of study the graduates are specialized in, providing a more descriptive context.

graduates destined for

Emphasizes the predetermined or intended path for the graduates, adding a sense of fate or planning.

graduates of

Indicates the origin or institution the graduates come from, shifting the focus to their educational background.

graduates prepared for

Highlights the readiness or training the graduates have received, emphasizing their capabilities.

alumni for

Replaces graduates with alumni. However, 'alumni for' might still face similar grammatical issues.

graduates suitable for

Focuses on the appropriateness of graduates for a role.

graduates toward

Replaces 'for' with 'toward' to express a direction, but it may still sound unnatural.

FAQs

What's wrong with the phrase "graduates for"?

The phrase "graduates for" is not grammatically sound. While commonly used, it lacks clarity. More appropriate alternatives include "graduates of" or "graduates prepared for", which provide clearer context.

How can I use "graduates of" instead of "graduates for"?

Use "graduates of" to indicate the institution from which the graduates come. For example, "Graduates of Harvard are highly sought after" is more accurate than "Graduates for Harvard".

When should I use "graduates prepared for"?

Use "graduates prepared for" to emphasize the training or skills the graduates have acquired. For example, "Graduates prepared for engineering roles" clarifies that they have the necessary skills for those jobs.

What are some alternatives to "graduates for" when discussing career readiness?

Instead of "graduates for", consider phrases like "graduates entering the workforce", "graduates pursuing careers in", or "job-ready graduates" for greater clarity.