obtain a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "obtain a degree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone earning a degree from a college or university. For example, "After four years of hard work, I was able to obtain a degree in computer science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

6) Higher education: Labour 75% of 18- to 30-year-olds to obtain a degree or an advanced apprenticeship.

The Guardian

Apart from legitimately graduating from a university, there are only two ways to obtain a degree certificate.

The Guardian

Such students may seek to transfer to MIT and obtain a degree.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some people get bursaries, some do on-the-job routes that are paid, but most get into debt to obtain a degree and their teaching qualification.

The Guardian - Opinion

They suggest that people who have happier childhoods are more likely to obtain a degree and a job, have higher degrees of optimism and extraversion, and less neuroticism.

The Guardian

At Cambridge (where he failed to obtain a degree) his career as a critic began with a review of the premiere of Vaughan Williams's The Poisoned Kiss.

The Guardian

Treatment worked for me, and I went on to obtain a degree in social work and have, since then, helped thousands of people like me overcome their addictions.

The New York Times

"How is it possible in one university or in one subject to obtain a degree with so much less effort than is required in another university or subject?

The Guardian

In 2001, Osorio left the MetroStars to obtain a degree from Liverpool John Moores University in a unique major: science and football.

The New York Times - Sports

In my case, I wanted to develop new skills and obtain a degree that would serve my professional interests.

Stanford University

After the war, he studied law at Warsaw University but did not obtain a degree, engaging instead in journalism and politics.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obtain a degree" in formal writing and academic contexts to convey a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using informal alternatives like "get a degree" in academic papers or professional correspondence. Stick to "obtain a degree" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain a degree" functions as a verb phrase, where "obtain" is the main verb and "a degree" is the direct object. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing the action of acquiring an academic qualification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obtain a degree" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression signifying the successful completion of an academic program. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and appropriateness across various contexts. While alternatives like "get a degree" exist, "obtain a degree" maintains a more formal tone, making it suitable for academic, professional, and news-related writing. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific sources. Therefore, using "obtain a degree" is a reliable way to express the achievement of earning an academic qualification in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earn a degree

Focuses on the effort and achievement involved in getting the degree.

acquire a degree

Emphasizes the gaining or coming into possession of the degree.

receive a degree

Highlights the act of being awarded the degree.

secure a degree

Implies effort and competition in successfully getting the degree.

complete a degree

Stresses the finishing or fulfillment aspect of the degree program.

graduate with a degree

Highlights the graduation ceremony and the awarding of the degree.

be awarded a degree

Focuses on the institution's act of bestowing the degree.

achieve a degree

Emphasizes accomplishment and successful completion.

get a degree

More informal and conversational way to say "obtain a degree".

pursue a degree

Focuses on the active process of working towards the degree.

FAQs

What does "obtain a degree" mean?

The phrase "obtain a degree" means to successfully complete the requirements for and be awarded an academic degree from a college or university.

Which is more formal, "get a degree" or "obtain a degree"?

"Obtain a degree" is generally considered more formal than "get a degree". Use "obtain" in academic or professional writing.

What are some synonyms for "obtain a degree"?

Synonyms for "obtain a degree" include "earn a degree", "acquire a degree", and "receive a degree". Each carries slightly different connotations.

How can I use "obtain a degree" in a sentence?

Example sentences using "obtain a degree" include: "Many students incur debt in order to obtain a degree" or "She plans to obtain a degree in engineering after completing her undergraduate studies".