takes a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes a degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the requirement of obtaining a degree for a particular job or field of study. Example: "To become a licensed architect, one takes a degree in architecture from an accredited university."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

FOR many Westerners, Korean dining takes a degree of effort.

The New York Times

It takes a degree, if not a further degree.

The Guardian

To be able to stand up and really impress takes a degree of precociousness".

The Guardian

It may seem remarkable that such funds exist; it takes a degree of chutzpah to charge an actively-managed fee for copying another manager.

The Economist

As with his great mentor Arthur Schopenhauer, the gloomiest philosopher who ever lived, it takes a degree of heroic perversity to overlook every apparent flicker of human value.

The Guardian - Books

I think it takes a degree of comic proficiency to understand and be able to explain quite how your comedy works.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Foote attended Worcester College, Oxford, but left without taking a degree.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It took a degree of strength and conviction.

The Guardian

First though, Golding took a degree at Toronto University.

The Guardian - Arts

She took a degree in anthropology at the University of London.

The Guardian

I reckon it will help if I take a degree".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing educational paths or career requirements, use "takes a degree" to clearly indicate the necessity of obtaining a formal qualification. For example: "A career in engineering often requires that one "takes a degree" in a related field".

Common error

Avoid using "takes a degree" when you mean simply attending some courses without pursuing full academic credit. It's a qualification, not just an activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes a degree" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of pursuing and acquiring a formal academic qualification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples show its use in discussing career paths and educational requirements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

26%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "takes a degree" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the action of pursuing and obtaining an academic qualification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in various contexts, especially when discussing career paths and educational requirements. Analysis of its usage shows it frequently appears in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "earns a degree" or "obtains a degree" exist, each with slightly different nuances, "takes a degree" remains a clear and widely understood way to express the pursuit of higher education.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtains a degree

Focuses on the act of successfully getting the degree upon completion.

pursues a degree

Emphasizes the ongoing effort and active chase of acquiring the degree.

completes a degree

Highlights the finalization and fulfillment of degree requirements.

earns a degree

Stresses the deservedness and hard work involved in getting the degree.

undertakes a degree

Implies a more formal or serious engagement with the process of getting a degree.

studies for a degree

Highlights the academic focus and preparation required for a degree.

works toward a degree

Emphasizes the continued effort and progress made in acquiring the degree.

enrols in a degree program

Focuses on the initial act of signing up and participating in the degree program.

matriculates in a degree course

Suggests a formal and structured academic path towards the degree.

secures a degree

Highlights the achievement and competitive aspect of obtaining a degree.

FAQs

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

You can use "takes a degree" to describe the act of enrolling in and completing a university or college program. For instance, "She "takes a degree" in biology to prepare for medical school".

What are some alternatives to saying "takes a degree"?

Alternatives include "earns a degree", "obtains a degree", or "completes a degree", each highlighting a different aspect of the degree acquisition process.

Is it correct to say "undertakes a degree" instead of "takes a degree"?

"Undertakes a degree" is a valid alternative, often implying a more formal or serious approach to the educational pursuit. Both phrases are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "takes a degree" and "has a degree"?

"Takes a degree" refers to the action of pursuing and completing the degree, while "has a degree" indicates the state of already possessing the degree. For example, "He "takes a degree" this year" vs. "He "has a degree" in engineering".