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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
passing academic
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "passing academic" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe someone who is achieving passing grades in an academic context, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "Despite his struggles, he managed to be a passing academic, maintaining just enough grades to continue his studies."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
Preferred or perceived necessary styles may be superficial and the need for certainty may relate more to passing academic examinations than the realistic future practice of medicine.
Science
Within a non-dualist framework, it is clearly of more than just passing academic interest to try to establish which cerebral pathophysiological mechanisms, if any, are associated with serious and dangerous acts of violence in patients with schizophrenia.
Science
A page of speculation that experiments may have been conducted on a wounded German prisoner ends like a voice-over from a bad horror film scripted by a passing academic: "Whatever the truth of Otto Schulz's fate, its mysteries reinforced the hospital's associative power, its impenetrable tree- surrounded site able to contain any number of gothic narratives".
News & Media
Between 2005 and 2012, concussions among high school athletes became more common with every passing academic year, a previous study found (see Reuters Health story of May 7, 2014 here: reut.rs/QGpQIl).rs/QGpQIl
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
Since the legislation was passed, academic and athletic opportunities for women and girls have increased vastly.
News & Media
What is a diploma worth, they add, if students who cannot read, write or do arithmetic are allowed to pass academic tests?
News & Media
Those who chose the wholly practical course would leave school already virtually apprentices, used to skilled work and capable of increasing their skills; those who chose the theoretical alternative would have passed academic examinations that properly prepared them for university.
News & Media
The Sokal hoax, as it came to be known, demonstrated how easy it was for any old drivel to pass academic quality control in highbrow humanities journals, so long as it contained lots of fancy words and pandered to referees' and editors' ideological preconceptions.
News & Media
Three, our list was never meant to pass academic muster.
News & Media
Starting from the assumption that deep learning, which seeks lasting mastery over a subject, is more desirable in professional education than shallow learning, which is merely designed to pass academic assessments, this paper suggests ways in which teachers in higher education can encourage the former.
Science
It would certainly be interesting to explore the range of ways in which pharmacy students aspire to both service and success; how, throughout their training, they motivate themselves to pass academic hurdles, develop 'passions' through internships, sign up for medical outreach in student-organized 'civic holidays', or admire the car of a fellow student who works part-time as an industry 'rep'.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When referring to students who manage to pass their courses but do not necessarily excel, consider using more direct and common terms like "average student" or "satisfactory scholar".
Common error
Avoid using the phrase "passing academic" as it is not a standard or clear expression in English. Choose alternatives like "average student" or specify that someone is "achieving passing grades" for better clarity.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "passing academic" functions as an adjective-noun combination, attempting to describe someone's academic status. However, Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is not standard and lacks clarity, recommending more common alternatives.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "passing academic" is an uncommon and somewhat awkward way to describe someone achieving passing grades in an academic context. Ludwig AI highlights that the expression lacks clarity and is not standard English. While it appears in some news and scientific sources, it's generally better to opt for clearer and more common alternatives like "average student", "satisfactory scholar", or "achieving passing grades". This ensures more effective and precise communication. The phrase's rare usage and grammatical ambiguity make it less preferable in both formal and informal writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
achieving passing grades
Emphasizes the act of obtaining passing scores in academic work.
meeting academic requirements
Highlights the fulfillment of necessary standards for academic progression.
satisfactory academic performance
Focuses on the adequacy of one's work in an educational setting.
acceptable academic standing
Refers to maintaining a position that allows continued enrollment or participation.
adequate academic progress
Implies sufficient advancement in studies.
marginally competent student
Describes a student who barely meets the minimum requirements.
barely passing in academics
Highlights a narrow margin of success in academic subjects.
getting by academically
Suggests managing to succeed without excelling in school.
underperforming academically
Focuses on the state of performing below expectations in academic areas.
mediocre academic record
Highlights the quality of someone's academic performance is average
FAQs
What does "passing academic" mean?
The phrase "passing academic" is not a standard English expression. It might refer to a student who is achieving passing grades, but it is better to use phrases like "average student" or "student achieving passing grades" for clarity.
How can I describe a student who is just getting by in school?
You can use phrases like "meeting academic requirements", "satisfactory academic performance", or "getting by academically" to describe a student who is just managing to pass their courses.
What are some alternatives to "passing academic"?
Instead of "passing academic", consider using "average student", "satisfactory scholar", or "achieving passing grades" for better clarity and common usage.
Is it correct to use "passing academic" in formal writing?
It's generally best to avoid "passing academic" in formal writing due to its awkwardness and lack of common usage. Opt for more precise and widely accepted phrases like "adequate academic progress" or "acceptable academic standing".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested