received a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "received a degree" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "After years of hard work, he finally received his degree in philosophy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She received a degree as a registered nurse in 1916.

The New York Times

He received a degree in architecture from Cornell University.

The Washington Post

While serving, he received a degree in health-care management.

The New York Times

He received a degree in electrical engineering from Cornell.

The New York Times - Science

Susan received a degree in International Diplomacy from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, Austria.

The New York Times

He graduated from Dartmouth and received a degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.

The New York Times

She received a degree in international law from the University of Geneva.

The New York Times

She graduated from Brandeis University with honors and received a degree in management from Oxford University.

The New York Times - Books

(He never received a degree, however, though for years he pretended that he had).

The New Yorker

At Syracuse, where he received a degree in theater, he once accumulated $237 in parking tickets.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Bollinger, too, received a degree yesterday; Columbia gave him an honorary doctor of laws degree.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "received a degree" to neutrally state that someone has obtained an academic qualification. Consider "earned a degree" if you want to emphasize the effort involved.

Common error

Avoid using "of" instead of "in" when specifying the field of study. It's "received a degree in chemistry", not "received a degree of chemistry".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "received a degree" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of obtaining an academic qualification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "received a degree" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that someone has obtained an academic qualification. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted. It is most frequently used in news, encyclopedia entries, and formal business contexts. Alternatives such as "obtained a degree" or "earned a degree" can be used to add subtle nuances to the statement, but it's important to use "in" and not "of" when specifying the field of study. Keep this guidance in mind to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtained a degree

Replaces "received" with a synonym, focusing on the act of getting the degree.

earned a degree

Emphasizes the effort and accomplishment involved in getting the degree.

was awarded a degree

Highlights the act of being formally granted the degree.

graduated with a degree

Focuses on the graduation ceremony and the attainment of the degree.

completed a degree

Highlights the act of finishing the requirements for a degree.

was conferred a degree

A more formal way of saying the degree was officially granted.

holds a degree

Indicates the current possession of a degree.

acquired a degree

Focuses on the process of gaining knowledge and skills leading to the degree.

achieved a degree

Emphasizes the successful completion and attainment of the degree.

finished with a degree

A more casual way of saying the degree was completed.

FAQs

How to use "received a degree" in a sentence?

You can use "received a degree" to indicate that someone has successfully completed their studies and been awarded a degree. For example, "She "received a degree" in biology from Harvard University."

What can I say instead of "received a degree"?

You can use alternatives like "obtained a degree", "earned a degree", or "graduated with a degree" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "received a degree of" instead of "received a degree in"?

No, it is more grammatically correct and commonly accepted to say "received a degree in" when specifying the field of study. For example, "He received a degree in economics."

What is the difference between "received a degree" and "holds a degree"?

"Received a degree" indicates the act of obtaining the degree, while "holds a degree" indicates the current possession of the degree. You "received a degree" upon graduating and now holds a degree.