secure a grade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure a grade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of achieving or obtaining a specific academic grade or score in a course or examination. Example: "To pass the course, I need to study hard to secure a grade of at least a B."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 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

Access to the balance sheet of GDF Suez, part-owned by the French government, should secure an investment grade credit rating and reduce the cost of borrowing.

The Guardian - Business

At January’s Detroit Auto Show, GM said a GMAC partner would help secure an investment-grade rating, expand balance sheet capacity, improve competitive funding, and “generate operational synergies,” Hinchliffe says.

Forbes

Following accusations the exams had been marked too harshly, affected pupils secured a higher grade in 2012.

BBC

It is a performance measure which recognises where pupils have secured a C grade or better across a core of academic subjects - English, mathematics, history or geography, the sciences and a language.

BBC

After I had a few years under my belt, I secured a second-grade teaching position in the Briarcliff Manor School District in 1998 and taught there for 18 years.

Forbes

What happens if you miss out on the grades needed to secure a place on your chosen course?

The Guardian

Her tutors believe the dress should earn her a good enough grade to secure a university place to study fashion design.

The Guardian

In the 1880s, the Supreme Court ruled it was acceptable for a sugar importer to intentionally darken refined sugar with molasses to lower the grade and secure a lower duty.

The Washington Post

Once upon a time, he said, an eighth-grade education could secure a job that would enable a reasonably middle class life.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "secure a grade", consider the context. It implies effort or strategy to achieve a desired academic outcome. Use it to emphasize the actions taken to get a specific grade.

Common error

Avoid using "secure a grade" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "get a grade" or "receive a grade" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure a grade" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a clause. It describes the action of obtaining a particular academic grade through effort or strategic action, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "secure a grade" is a grammatically correct way to express the action of attaining a specific academic grade through effort. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for academic and professional contexts, implying a deliberate and strategic approach to achieving the desired outcome. While alternatives like "achieve a grade" or "obtain a grade" exist, "secure a grade" emphasizes the effort involved. Though Ludwig's examples show this phrase isn't as frequently used, it remains a valid and effective choice when highlighting active effort in an academic setting. Remember to consider your audience and context to ensure your communication is clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve a grade

Focuses on the accomplishment of attaining a particular grade.

obtain a grade

Emphasizes the action of receiving a grade.

attain a grade

Highlights the effort involved in reaching a specific grade level.

earn a grade

Stresses the idea that the grade was deserved through effort.

get a grade

A more informal way to express receiving a grade.

receive a grade

Simply indicates the reception of a grade without emphasis on effort.

acquire a grade

Similar to obtain, but may imply a more formal process.

procure a grade

Implies a deliberate and potentially difficult effort to get the grade.

ensure a grade

Focuses on making certain a specific grade is achieved.

guarantee a grade

Highlights certainty in achieving a particular grade, often through specific actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "secure a grade" to describe the act of achieving a specific grade through effort. For example, "To pass the course, I need to study hard to "secure a grade" of at least a B".

What can I say instead of "secure a grade"?

You can use alternatives like "achieve a grade", "obtain a grade", or "earn a grade" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "secure a grade" or "get a grade"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""secure a grade"" implies a more deliberate effort, while "get a grade" is more casual.

What's the difference between "ensure a grade" and "secure a grade"?

"Ensure a grade" focuses on making a grade certain, while ""secure a grade"" emphasizes the active steps taken to achieve that grade.