secure a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'secure a degree' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to achieving an academic qualification, such as a 'degree' from a college or university. For example, "After four years of hard work, she finally secured a degree in psychology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A-level pass rates rose to another record high of 97.6% today, while an unprecedented 27% of entries secured an A or A* grade, in results that sharpened the already fierce competition to secure a degree course place.

The Guardian

He called on the sector to do more to help students while they were still at school, to help them get the grades they needed to secure a degree place.

Independent

Though controversial and largely subject to various social and economic fluctuations, endeavours by the municipality to secure a degree of financial independence from the country's central government in the 1990s enjoyed some success, and similar measures were adopted by other municipalities in the country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As tens of thousands of teenagers attempt to secure a degree place before tuition fees rise towards £9,000 a year, a devastating official forecast of the price they will pay for a university education estimates that total student debt will rocket to £191bn over the next four decades.

Independent

My family paid a fortune to educate me and I was able to secure a degree in agriculture, but I have never been able to get a job in the government.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"They have escaped a horrible war, and have finally secured a degree of safety and security, but the road will be very tough for them.

Independent

He had finally gotten his life on track — securing a degree, starting a family, building a career — and had managed to bury his past.

The New Yorker

Born in London and brought up in Essex, Hutton started his professional life as a law lecturer in Newcastle after securing a degree at Oxford.

The Guardian

It is conservative to the extent that it seeks to continually reproduce ruling-class dominance on a new basis, but can only do so effectively to the extent that it secures a degree of popular legitimacy in doing so.

The Guardian - Opinion

QUESTION FROM CRAIG: You end your article by saying "extreme right wing is on the verge of securing a degree of power over Congress and the Republican Party that is unprecedented in modern American history".

The New Yorker

For the moment, though, it appears that the extreme right wing is on the verge of securing a degree of power over Congress and the Republican Party that is unprecedented in modern American history.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about education or career achievements, use "secure a degree" to emphasize the successful completion and attainment of academic qualifications. It implies a deliberate effort and positive outcome.

Common error

Avoid using overly casual synonyms like "land a degree" in formal or academic writing. Stick to more neutral or formal alternatives such as "obtain a degree" or "earn a degree" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure a degree" functions as a verb phrase where "secure" acts as a transitive verb and "degree" is the direct object. It describes the action of successfully obtaining an academic qualification. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secure a degree" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the successful attainment of an academic qualification. Ludwig AI affirms its validity for use in English writing. While various alternatives exist, such as "obtain a degree" or "earn a degree", "secure" emphasizes the effort and successful navigation of challenges in achieving the qualification. Its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedia-related content, making it a versatile phrase for discussing academic achievements. Remember to maintain appropriate formality based on your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain a degree

Emphasizes the act of getting or receiving a degree.

earn a degree

Highlights the effort and work required to achieve the degree.

attain a degree

Focuses on reaching a certain level or standard through acquiring the degree.

acquire a degree

Stresses the process of gaining possession of a degree.

complete a degree

Highlights the finish or conclusion of the degree program.

achieve a degree

Focuses on the accomplishment and success in getting a degree.

graduate with a degree

Specifies that the degree is conferred upon graduation.

be awarded a degree

Emphasizes the formal granting of the degree.

procure a degree

Implies effort and planning to successfully obtaining the degree.

land a degree

Has a more informal tone highlighting success in getting a degree.

FAQs

What does it mean to "secure a degree"?

To "secure a degree" means to successfully obtain an academic qualification from a college or university, typically after completing a course of study and meeting all requirements.

How can I use "secure a degree" in a sentence?

You can use "secure a degree" in a sentence like this: "After years of studying, she managed to "secure a degree" in engineering."

What are some alternatives to "secure a degree"?

Some alternatives to "secure a degree" include "obtain a degree", "earn a degree", or "attain a degree". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "secure a degree" or "obtain a degree"?

Both "secure a degree" and "obtain a degree" are correct and widely accepted. "Secure a degree" might imply a bit more effort or overcoming challenges, while "obtain a degree" is more neutral.