hold a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold a degree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has completed a degree program, for example: "The candidate holds a degree in accounting from a prestigious university."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

He was indicted on 20 offenses, including larceny, identity fraud and pretending to hold a degree.

The New York Times

She'll be the first NUS president who does not hold a degree.

The Guardian

Those who already hold a degree are not generally entitled to them.

The Guardian

"I don't hold a degree, but involuntary means one thing to me," said Cpl.

The New York Times

It previously stated that Pearce was the second NUS president who does not hold a degree.

The Guardian

I hold a degree in computer science from University College Cork, Ireland.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

(He holds a degree in literature from Yale).

The New York Times

Author John le Carré also holds a degree in languages.

The Guardian - Money

But holding a degree is no guarantee of financial success.

The Guardian

"He also holds a degree in athletics for the decathlon".

The Guardian - Music

Laura holds a degree in International Relations from the Fluminense Federal University UFFFluminense Federal University UFF

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold a degree" when you want to formally state that someone has completed a specific academic program and received the corresponding credential.

Common error

While "have a degree" is acceptable, "hold a degree" is often considered more formal and appropriate in professional or academic contexts. Choose "hold" when aiming for a slightly more elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a degree" functions as a verb phrase indicating the possession of an academic qualification. It is commonly used to describe someone's educational background. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

45%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold a degree" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate that someone possesses an academic qualification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal contexts, particularly in academic, news, and professional settings. While alternatives like "have a degree" exist, "hold a degree" is often preferred for its slightly more formal tone. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize someone's educational credentials in a clear and professional manner. The phrase is very common and authoritative sources use it frequently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess a degree

This alternative uses "possess" instead of "hold", implying ownership of the degree.

have a degree

This alternative uses the verb "have" which is a more direct way of stating possession.

be a degree holder

This alternative uses a noun phrase to describe someone who possesses a degree.

attain a degree

This alternative uses "attain", emphasizing the effort made to achieve the degree.

earn a degree

This alternative uses "earn", emphasizing the effort and work put into obtaining the degree.

obtain a degree

This alternative uses "obtain", indicating the action of acquiring the degree.

achieve a degree

This alternative uses "achieve", highlighting the accomplishment of earning a degree.

be a graduate

This option is a broader term that signifies completion of a degree program but doesn't explicitly mention "degree".

complete a degree

This option focuses on finishing the degree program.

be qualified

This alternative uses "qualified" which implies having the necessary skills and knowledge gained from a degree.

FAQs

What does it mean to "hold a degree"?

To "hold a degree" means that you have successfully completed the requirements of a degree program at an accredited institution and have been awarded the corresponding academic title.

Is it better to say "hold a degree" or "have a degree"?

Both "hold a degree" and "have a degree" are grammatically correct, but "hold a degree" is generally considered more formal. Use "have a degree" in informal contexts and "hold a degree" in formal writing.

What are some alternatives to saying "hold a degree"?

Alternatives include "possess a degree", "attain a degree", or simply "be a graduate", depending on the context.

How do I use "hold a degree" in a sentence?

You can use "hold a degree" to describe someone's qualifications, such as: "She holds a degree in engineering from MIT" or "Applicants must hold a degree in a related field".