obtain tenure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain tenure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in academic or professional contexts to refer to the process of securing a permanent position, often in a university or similar institution. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, she was finally able to obtain tenure at the university."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Science & Research

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He was confident that, in time, he would obtain tenure.

Science Magazine

Junior faculty members are hired with the expectation that they will obtain tenure, and mentoring committees work diligently toward this end.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And a significant number of former postdocs (12percentt of respondents) who were expecting to obtain tenure-track positions ended up working in government or the nonprofit research sector, being self-employed, or working with other types of positions.

Science Magazine

One of the most persistent trends over the last three postdoc surveys is the gap in the numbers of postdocs who expect to obtain tenure-track positions and the numbers who actually land those positions.

Science Magazine

Participants identified problems with the structure of the workforce in the following key areas (Appendix 2B): Structure of the system: PIs currently train junior scientists (multiple trainees per PI) in their own image, that is, for a career in academia, though only a small minority will obtain tenure-track faculty positions.

F1000Research

Since obtaining tenure, I always sign my reviews.

Science Magazine

Those so-called "URMs" also trail white faculty by 10 percentage points in obtaining tenure.

Science Magazine

But the decision may have further diminished his chances of obtaining tenure.

Science Magazine

You would be surprised at how many individuals quietly obtained tenure or received adequate compensation to leave.

Science Magazine

A sought-after speaker who had developed a mouse model of melanoma, Bosenberg was just weeks from obtaining tenure.

Science Magazine

One of the major hurdles of academic tenure-track positions in the United States and Canada, and the cause of many sleepless nights, is obtaining tenure.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use specific details to add context to the phrase. For example, instead of just stating "She obtained tenure", provide additional information such as "She obtained tenure at Harvard University after publishing groundbreaking research".

Common error

Avoid assuming that research alone guarantees tenure. While research is crucial, teaching and service contributions are also important at many institutions. Don't neglect these aspects in your pursuit of tenure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain tenure" functions as a verb phrase where "obtain" is the main verb and "tenure" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and typical use in academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

Science & Research

35%

News & Media

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtain tenure" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of securing a permanent academic position. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its prevalence in scientific, academic and news media contexts. Key alternatives include "achieve tenure" and "secure tenure". When using this phrase, remember to consider the criteria for tenure, which extend beyond research to include teaching and service. Avoiding the misconception that research alone guarantees tenure is crucial for academic success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve tenure

Focuses on the accomplishment of getting tenure.

secure tenure

Emphasizes the act of making tenure certain or safe.

earn tenure

Highlights that tenure is gained through effort and merit.

be granted tenure

Highlights that someone or something is giving tenure to you.

receive tenure

Similar to "be granted tenure", focuses on the act of receiving tenure.

get tenure

An informal way of saying "obtain tenure".

acquire tenure

Implies gradual accumulation of qualifications that allows to be granted tenure.

win tenure

Highlights the competition to secure tenure.

become a tenured professor

Focuses on the resulting status after obtaining tenure.

tenure appointment

Stresses the appointment nature of tenure position.

FAQs

What does it mean to "obtain tenure"?

To "obtain tenure" means to secure a permanent position at a university or college, protecting the job from arbitrary dismissal. It's typically granted after a probationary period and a rigorous review of teaching, research, and service.

What are some alternatives to "obtain tenure"?

You can use alternatives like "achieve tenure", "secure tenure", or "earn tenure" depending on the context. These phrases all convey the idea of successfully gaining a permanent academic position.

How difficult is it to "obtain tenure"?

Obtaining tenure is generally very competitive and requires significant achievements in research, teaching, and service. The specific criteria and expectations vary by institution, but it always involves a rigorous evaluation process.

What are the key steps to "obtain tenure"?

The key steps typically include completing a doctoral degree, securing a tenure-track position, demonstrating excellence in teaching and research, actively participating in service activities, and undergoing a formal tenure review process.