What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alumna
Example
She is an alumna of Harvard University. [alumna: noun]
Example
The alumnae association organized a networking event for female graduates. [alumnae: plural noun]
graduate
Example
He is a graduate of Yale University. [graduate: noun]
Example
She will graduate from high school next year. [graduate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Graduate is more commonly used than alumna in everyday language. Graduate is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while alumna is more specific and often used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alumna and graduate?
Alumna is more formal than graduate and is often used in academic or professional contexts. While graduate can be used in both formal and informal contexts, alumna is typically reserved for more formal situations.
