What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
undergrad
Example
I'm an undergrad studying biology. [undergrad: noun]
Example
During my undergrad, I took a lot of interesting courses. [undergrad: adjective]
undergraduate
Example
She's an undergraduate majoring in psychology. [undergraduate: noun]
Example
The undergraduate program at this university is highly respected. [undergraduate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Undergraduate is more common than undergrad in formal writing and academic contexts. However, undergrad is more commonly used in informal speech and casual writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between undergrad and undergraduate?
Undergraduate is more formal than undergrad. It is appropriate to use undergraduate in formal writing and academic contexts, while undergrad is more appropriate for informal speech and casual writing.
