Graduated From vs Graduated At: The Right Usage
When it comes to expressing academic achievement, using the correct phrase is crucial for clarity and precision. The most common and correct phrases are “graduated from” and “graduated with” or “graduated in”. Let's explore the nuances of when and how to use these phrases.
Correct Phrases
Graduated From
Use “graduated from” when referring to the institution where you completed your studies. This phrase is appropriate for a wide variety of contexts, much like:
I graduated from Harvard / Oxford / high school. I graduated from being a dancer to a leading role in a movie. I graduated from Patrick Henry High School. I graduated from the program at the University of California.Conversely, saying “I graduated from high school” is a correct and widely understood usage, whereas “I graduated high school” can be considered slightly more colloquial and less formal, particularly in written contexts or speeches.
Graduated In/With
Use “graduated in” or “graduated with” to denote the field of study. This is best illustrated by:
I graduated in History. I graduated with a B.A. I graduated in Engineering from MIT. I graduated from the program in computer science.In some cases, both phrases can be used interchangeably, as seen in:
I’m a graduate of Azusa Pacific University. I graduated in 2012. I’m a graduate student in accounting. I’m a graduate of Yale University.Other examples include:
I anticipate to graduate in 2024. The boys were graduates of Yale University. Stanley is a graduate of law and economics from Budapest University. John is a graduate in philosophy.Using Both Correctly
It is perfectly acceptable to use both “graduated from” and “graduated in” based on the context and information you want to convey. For example:
I’m a graduate of Azusa Pacific University. He graduated in 2012. I’m a graduate student in accounting. I’m a graduate of Yale University. I anticipate to graduate in 2024. The boys were graduates of Yale University. Stanley is a graduate of law and economics from Budapest University. John is a graduate in philosophy.The Nuances of “Graduate of, In, and At”
Understanding the nuances of these phrases can help you choose the most appropriate one for your context. Here are a few useful examples:
Usage with Schools and Universities
For schools and universities, “graduate of” often includes the institution, while “in” specifies the field of study. For example:
He is a graduate of Harvard.His degree is in economics.
This structure clearly separates the institution from the field of study.
Using “Of” and “In” Together
When using both, the structure can clarify information effectively. For instance:
I graduated from Christ’s College Cambridge in English and history.
This sentence provides both the institution and the fields of study.
Colloquial and Formal Usage
There is a slight difference in formality between various usages. In conversation, both “graduated from” and “graduated in” are acceptable. In formal or written contexts, “graduated from” is often preferred, as it sounds more natural and precise. Examples:
I graduated from high school in 1999 is fine in conversation but may come across as a bit colloquial in more formal settings.
I graduated from Patrick Henry High School is fine, but I graduated Patrick Henry High School is simply wrong.
Moreover, using “was graduated from” is extremely old-fashioned and not commonly used in standard American English. This phrasing would be more appropriate in certain historical or antiquated contexts.
Additional Examples
For further clarification, here are a few more examples:
She graduated from the University of Southern California in 2018. He is a graduate of the University of New South Wales in business administration. They graduated from MIT with a Master of Science in engineering. I graduated from the nursing program at Mercy Hospital.Conclusion
In summary, while “graduated from” and “graduated in” are both correct, careful consideration of the context can help you choose the most appropriate phrase. Whether you're writing a formal document or speaking in a professional setting, using these phrases correctly ensures clarity and precision in expressing your educational achievements.