scholar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scholar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is highly educated or has a deep knowledge in a particular field, often in an academic context. Example: "As a renowned scholar in the field of history, she has published numerous articles and books that have contributed to our understanding of ancient civilizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Born in Broadstairs, he began his education as a choral scholar at St Peter's, the local Church of England school, at seven he began piano lessons.

The Guardian

Chris Patten, the university's chancellor, said in a statement that Richardson's "distinguished record both as an educational leader and as an outstanding scholar provides an excellent basis for her to lead Oxford in the coming years".

The Guardian

The Australian's foreign editor Greg Sheridan went to Sydney University with Tony Abbott, before Abbott went to Oxford as a Rhodes scholar and did not do very well in his degree.

The Guardian

Jonathan Jones's article on Penelope Curtis, outgoing director of Tate Britain, (misogynist subtext?) is a highly unpleasant attack on a formidable scholar and curator.

The Guardian - Arts

Unlike some of her relatives he was never a great scholar or a famous writer; and when her grandmother fell in love with him, her side of the family regarded him as an uninspiring catch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I sat back in my seat, amazed and haunted by this extraordinary scholar, out there in the desert, gathering and patterning a work of words that might keep us from slipping off into abstract space.

The Guardian - Books

The monograph is still the thing: anyone who wants to be taken seriously as a scholar in the humanities should work towards having one.

The Guardian

He could have been distinguished in academic life his work on Herodotus suggests that he could have made his mark as a classical scholar but his excursions into English verse, collected, in 1990, from several slim volumes, hardly suggest that we lost a poet when we gained a politician.

The Guardian

That honour, instead, went to John Wycliffe, a 14th-century theologian, scholar and clerical troublemaker who translated the Bible into English in the 1380s, and argued for much of his life against the power and wealth of the pope – a somewhat edgy pastime that led to his bones being dug up and burned after his death, before being chucked into a river in Leicestershire.

The Guardian

Q: How did you move from being a geologist working in Australia for the Western Mining Corporation to being a scholar of the history of science?

The Guardian

Warchus points out that playing Shakespeare in received pronunciation is a relatively modern phenomenon, and that research by the Shakespearean scholar John Barton suggests that in Shakespeare's day the accent was a cross between Irish, Yorkshire and West Country - very similar to the present-day accent found in the Appalachian mountains.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "scholar", specify their field of expertise to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "a legal scholar" or "a Shakespearean scholar".

Common error

Avoid using "scholar" too generally. Ensure the individual has demonstrated significant academic achievement or expertise in a particular area.

Linguistic Context

The word "scholar" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a person with extensive knowledge, especially in an academic field. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use to identify individuals recognized for their expertise and scholarly contributions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "scholar" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to describe someone with advanced knowledge, particularly in an academic or intellectual field. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to identify individuals recognized for their expertise. The term is generally used in formal and scientific contexts, with a respectful tone. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the scholar's area of expertise. Common synonyms include "academician" and "intellectual". In summary, while a "scholar" is someone deeply learned, an "academic" is often someone employed at a university. Ludwig's examples showcase the term's widespread usage and respect associated with it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

academician

Focuses specifically on someone who is a member of an academy or learned society.

learned person

Highlights the extensive knowledge and education someone possesses.

intellectual

Emphasizes the person's engagement in critical thinking and complex ideas.

researcher

Focuses on the person's involvement in systematic investigation to establish facts.

expert

Highlights a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular field.

specialist

Emphasizes focused expertise in a specific area.

bookman

Highlights someone who loves and is knowledgeable about books.

student

Refers to someone who is studying a particular subject or subjects.

assimilator

Describes someone who readily absorbs and integrates new information.

Rhodes scholar

Specific term for someone who has been awarded a Rhodes Scholarship for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford.

FAQs

How can I use "scholar" in a sentence?

You can use "scholar" to describe someone who has a deep knowledge of a particular subject. For example, "She is a renowned scholar of ancient history." or "He began his education as a choral scholar at St Peter's".

What's the difference between a "scholar" and an "academic"?

While both terms refer to people involved in higher education, a "scholar" is generally someone deeply learned in a specific field, while an "academic" is someone employed in a university or similar institution, often involved in teaching and research.

What are some synonyms for "scholar"?

Alternatives to "scholar" include "academician", "intellectual", "researcher", "expert", or "specialist", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "scholar" in formal writing?

Yes, "scholar" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a respectful term to describe someone with advanced knowledge or expertise, especially in academic or intellectual contexts.