[Editors] attained or obtained?

[Marilyn C Wilson]

Yes, thanks, that's right!  And taking this into a more obscure and probably not very important question, I was wondering about any conventions or "correct practices" in regard to "attaining" or "obtaining" academic degrees, since these degrees seem both achievable and acquirable!  Is it more correct to say "I obtained my Masters Degree", or "I attained my Masters Degree."  

(Never mind that I didn't!)

Thanks again,
Marilyn

Marilyn C. Wilson, PhD
Sr. Career Development Specialist, Career Services
MIT Global Education and Career Development
617-258-9149
mcwilson at mit.edu 


 


-----Original Message-----
From: editors-bounces at MIT.EDU [mailto:editors-bounces at MIT.EDU] On Behalf Of Jennifer Schmitt
Sent: Friday, October 01, 2010 5:56 PM
To: editors at mit.edu
Subject: Re: [Editors] attained or obtained?

One means to get or aquire (obtain). The other means to achieve something (attain).

On Oct 1, 2010, at 5:52 PM, Marilyn C Wilson wrote:

> Okay editors, do any of you know if there is there a proper distinction, archaic or otherwise, between "attain" and "obtain" as in:
>  
> "the degree attained" and "the degree obtained"   ?
>  
> They are both out there in abundance, and seem to be used interchangeably, sometimes in the same sentence or paragraph.  "Degree" seems to work with both, but "certificate" for instance only sounds right with obtained. 
>  
> Thanks, and may you all attain a great weekend --
> Marilyn   
>  
>  
>  
> Marilyn C. Wilson, PhD
> Sr. Career Development Specialist, Career Services
> MIT Global Education and Career Development
> 617-258-9149
> mcwilson at mit.edu
>  
> <image002.jpg>
>  
>  
> <ATT00001..c>




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