What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grad
Example
The grad was nervous about their final exams. [grad: noun]
Example
She's a grad student studying psychology. [grad: adjective]
Example
The grad ceremony is next week. [grad: noun]
graduate
Example
He's a recent graduate of Harvard Law School. [graduate: noun]
Example
She will graduate with honors next month. [graduate: verb]
Example
The school has a high graduation rate. [graduation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Graduate is more commonly used than grad in everyday language and formal contexts. Grad is less common and more informal, and it is typically used in academic or colloquial settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grad and graduate?
Graduate is more formal than grad, and it is commonly used in academic, professional, and formal contexts. Grad is more informal and is typically used in colloquial or academic settings.
