on graduating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on graduating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the time or event of completing a degree or course of study. Example: "On graduating, she received several job offers from top companies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Current approaches to improving diversity in scientific research focus on graduating more STEM majors, but graduation with a STEM undergraduate degree alone is not ­sufficient for entry into graduate school.

CBE Life Sciences Education

To the consternation of their tutors, they even insisted on graduating with a joint degree.

Independent

He started and built his first company while at university and sold it on graduating.

The Economist

This installment focuses on graduating seniors who will become college freshmen in just a few months.

The New York Times

For those of you who do know me, congrats on graduating the fourth grade.

The New Yorker

New members must be in the top tenth of their class on graduating from dental school.

The New Yorker

He added, "I don't think the costs of college are going up faster than the returns on graduating from an elite private college".

The New York Times

Questions: Do you currently plan on graduating with a degree in your major?

International Journal of STEM Education

But the study shows the wide range of different levels of debt on graduating.

BBC

Their next step on graduating from YC will be raising a seed.

TechCrunch

India's IITs and China's Fudan University (their "Ivy League" schools) don't hold any monopoly on graduating tech stars.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on graduating", ensure the sentence clearly specifies what happens as a direct result or immediately following graduation. This creates a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by placing the phrase "on graduating" close to the subject it modifies. Ensure it's clear who is graduating, or the sentence may imply someone else is graduating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on graduating" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the timing or condition under which an action occurs, specifically related to the completion of an academic degree or course. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on graduating" is a grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating when an action or event occurs in relation to the completion of a degree or course of study. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate across various contexts, from news and media to academic and professional settings. While "upon graduation" is a more formal alternative, "on graduating" offers a versatile option for clearly linking graduation to subsequent actions, provided that the sentence structure avoids ambiguity. Given its prevalence and clarity, mastering the use of "on graduating" is beneficial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon graduation

Formal alternative using 'upon' instead of 'on'.

after graduating

Specifies the time frame following graduation.

following graduation

Similar to 'after graduating', indicating a sequence of events.

having graduated

Uses a participial phrase to indicate completed graduation.

post-graduation

Adjectival form referring to the period after graduation.

upon completion of studies

More formal and elaborate way of saying "on graduating".

after earning a degree

Focuses on the accomplishment of earning the degree.

at the time of graduation

Emphasizes the specific moment of graduating.

with a degree in hand

Figurative, highlighting possession of a degree.

as a graduate

Identifies someone in the role of a graduate.

FAQs

How can I use "on graduating" in a sentence?

Use "on graduating" to describe events or actions that occur immediately after completing a course of study. For example: "On graduating, she received a job offer."

What are some alternatives to "on graduating"?

Alternatives include "upon graduation", "after graduating", or "following graduation", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "on graduating" or "upon graduating"?

"Upon graduating" is generally considered more formal than "on graduating". Both are correct, but "upon graduating" may be preferred in academic or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "after graduating" and "on graduating"?

"After graduating" refers to a period of time following graduation, while "on graduating" typically describes something that happens immediately at or shortly after the moment of graduation. For example, "After graduating, he traveled the world," versus "On graduating, he received an award."