upon graduating from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon graduating from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an event or action that occurs immediately after someone completes their graduation. Example: "Upon graduating from university, she secured a job in her field of study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Upon graduating from West Point, McMaster joined the armored cavalry.

The New Yorker

Upon graduating from Phillips Exeter Academy, he served in the army from 1945 to 1946.

The New York Times

Upon graduating from high school, he began working at the Isaacs Center.

The New York Times

Upon graduating from college, my brother and sister joined AmeriCorps and Teach for America.

The New Yorker

He was not academically qualified for Division I football upon graduating from high school in 1993.

The New York Times - Sports

Upon graduating from the academy, he entered Harvard University in 1833.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Windham, upon graduating from high school, found a job at the Coca-Cola barrel factory.

The New York Times

Upon graduating from university, he got a job at Time magazine before meeting his German wife.

Independent

I bought my first upon graduating from med school — a used 1994 BMW 325i.

The New York Times

Upon graduating from medical school, she attended residency at Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Yale University

Upon graduating from Princeton University in l939, he went to work at Seabrook Farms, becoming president in l954.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context when choosing between "upon graduating from" and alternatives like "after graduating from"; "upon" often lends a slightly more formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "upon graduating from" if the event you are describing happens long after the graduation. Instead, use "some time after graduating from" or "years after graduating from" to avoid implying immediate succession.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon graduating from" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a temporal clause. It modifies a verb in the main clause, indicating when the action described by that verb occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon graduating from" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies an event occurring shortly after graduation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, and carries a slightly formal tone. While effective in establishing a chronological sequence, writers should be mindful of the immediacy implied and choose alternative phrasings like "after graduating from" for less immediate actions. By understanding its nuances, writers can use "upon graduating from" effectively and avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after graduating from

This is a more common and straightforward way to express the same timing, using a simple conjunction.

following graduation from

This alternative uses a noun phrase, which can add a slightly more formal tone.

subsequent to graduating from

This phrase provides a more formal and less common alternative.

once graduated from

This option is more concise, emphasizing the completion of the graduation before the subsequent action.

with a degree from

This focuses on the accomplishment of earning a degree, implying the graduation.

having completed studies at

This is a more elaborate way to express the completion of academic studies.

after completion of studies at

Similar to 'having completed studies at' but phrased as a prepositional phrase.

on completion of a degree at

Highlights that the degree was earned upon completion of studies.

post-graduation from

Uses a prefix to indicate 'after graduation', making it slightly less formal.

as a graduate of

This phrase focuses on the status of being a graduate, indirectly implying the graduation event.

FAQs

What is the difference between "upon graduating from" and "after graduating from"?

Both phrases indicate a sequence of events following graduation, but "upon graduating from" suggests a more immediate connection between the graduation and the subsequent event. "After graduating from" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply the same level of immediacy.

Can I use "upon graduating from" in formal writing?

Yes, "upon graduating from" is suitable for formal writing. While it can add a touch of elegance, consider whether the context calls for a more straightforward alternative like "after graduating from" if clarity and simplicity are paramount.

What are some alternatives to "upon graduating from" that are less formal?

Less formal alternatives include phrases like "after graduating from" or "once graduated from". These options are suitable for more casual or conversational contexts.

Is it grammatically correct to say "upon graduation from"?

While grammatically understandable, "upon graduation from" is less common than "upon graduating from". The gerund form (graduating) is generally preferred because it emphasizes the action of graduating. Using "following graduation from" is a more conventional phrasing with the noun form 'graduation'.