The terms 'graduated' and 'graduated from' are often used when discussing educational milestones. Understanding the correct usage of these terms can help you communicate more accurately in both written and spoken English.
1. Usage of 'Graduated'
The word 'graduated' is often used erroneously when individuals imply graduation from a specific institution. However, the correct usage is for the institution awarding the degree.
Traditional grammar suggests that 'graduate' should be used in its transitive form when talking about educational institutions, while recent shifts in usage have led to more relaxed language practices.
Example:
- Correct: Harvard graduated its highest number of students this year.
- Incorrect: She graduated Harvard in 2020. (Without 'from', this suggests she facilitated the graduation of Harvard, rather than receiving her degree from it.)
2. Usage of 'Graduated From'
The phrase 'graduated from' is used with reference to individuals who have received a degree or diploma from an educational institution. This is the standard and widely accepted way of discussing one's own educational achievements.
Example:
- Correct: She graduated from Harvard in 2020.
- Incorrect: She graduated Harvard in 2020. ('From' is necessary to articulate the origination point of the degree.)
More Examples and Explanation
- Graduated Without 'From' (Transitive use for institutions)
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Correct: Oxford University graduated over 1,000 students this year. This usage highlights the role of the institution in awarding degrees to students.
- Graduated From (Intransitive use related to people's achievements)
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Correct: He graduated from college last spring. This is the correct usage when focusing on the individual's experience.
An awareness of when to apply 'graduated' and 'graduated from' appropriately ensures clarity and correctness in academic and professional discussions. While language evolves, understanding the traditional and formal standards remains critical in maintaining accuracy.
Summing up, 'graduated from' speaks to the individual's completion of an educational phase, while 'graduated' used alone typically refers to the institution's role. Use these guidelines to enhance your grammatical precision.
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