Choosing the Right Phrase for Doctorate Degrees: Earned vs. Received
When writing about doctorate degrees, particularly in academic and professional contexts, the choice between ldquo;earnedrdquo; and ldquo;receivedrdquo; can be subtle but significant. Understanding the nuances of these terms can help in crafting precise, clear, and contextually appropriate sentences.
Specificity and Context: ldquo;Earnedrdquo;
The term ldquo;earnedrdquo; is more precise and indicates the specific type of doctorate degree a person has obtained. It is particularly suitable for audiences who are familiar with academic qualifications and degrees. This term juxtaposes the rigorous process of earning a degree, which often involves years of dedicated academic and professional work.
Example: Dr. Jane Smith earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Harvard University in 2015.
Using ldquo;earnedrdquo; is ideal when the specific type of degree is relevant, such as in formal academic papers, professional profiles, or when emphasizing the hard work and dedication associated with obtaining a degree.
Generality and Context: ldquo;Receivedrdquo;
In contrast, the term ldquo;receivedrdquo; is broader and can refer to any doctoral degree. This term is a good choice if the specific type of degree is not relevant to the context, or if you want to keep the text more general. It is more neutral and does not carry the same sense of achievement as ldquo;earned.rdquo;
Example: Dr. John Doe received his doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley in 2020.
Using ldquo;receivedrdquo; might be more suitable in personal résumés, biographical sketches, or general articles where the exact field of the doctorate is not crucial.
Reframing with More Precise Language
Consider phrasing the sentence to use more precise language. For instance, ldquo;doctoraterdquo; is a more general term that can be used when the specific type of degree is less important, and ldquo;Ph.D.rdquo; or more detailed terms (e.g., ldquo;Ed.D.rdquo; or ldquo;D.S.T.rdquo;) can be used when specific degrees are necessary.
Example: Dr. Alice Johnson received her doctorate in Linguistics in 2008, focusing on semiotics in the works of Ferdinand de Saussure.
Style and Abbreviations
In academic and professional writing, it is generally preferred to use the full word for an academic degree in regular prose, unless abbreviations are used after names in listings or on business cards. This preference aligns with style guides like the Modern Language Association (MLA), the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS), and the Associated Press (AP) style.
According to these style guides, avoid abbreviations like ldquo;Ph.D.rdquo; in the text, unless the specific type of doctorate is important. For instance:
Example: Dominique Thibault received her doctoral degree in Comparative Literature from Yale University in 1992.
Using the full term ldquo;doctoral degreerdquo; or ldquo;Ph.D.rdquo; in the appropriate context ensures clarity and adheres to style guide recommendations.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between ldquo;earnedrdquo; and ldquo;receivedrdquo; depends on the context and the level of specificity required. Use ldquo;earnedrdquo; to be precise and emphasize the achievement, and use ldquo;receivedrdquo; for general contexts. Always consider the full term for academic degrees in regular writing and abbreviate only when necessary.
Maintaining consistency and adherence to style guides can help in maintaining the clarity and professionalism of your written content, making it more effective and accessible.