NRTC English: How to use alumna, alumnus, alumnae, and alumni correctly

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Understanding the correct usage of “alumna,” “alumnus,” “alumnae,” and “alumni” can be tricky for beginners. These words commonly refer to graduates of a school or university, but they differ based on gender and whether they are singular or plural.

Let’s break down each term and learn how to use them correctly.

Alumna (singular, feminine):

• “Alumna” refers to a female graduate of a school or university.
• Example: Sarah is an alumna of Harvard University.

Alumnus (singular, masculine):

• “Alumnus” is the male counterpart of “alumna” and refers to a male school or university graduate.
• Example: John is an alumnus of Yale University.

Alumnae (plural, feminine):

• “Alumnae” is the plural form of “alumna” and refers to a group of female graduates.
• Example: The alumnae of the University of Ibadan organized a reunion.

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Alumni (plural, gender-neutral or masculine):

• “Alumni” is the plural form of “alumnus” and can refer to a group of graduates regardless of gender or specifically to a group of male graduates.
• Example 1: The alumni of Oxford University gathered for a networking event.
• Example 2: The alumni association welcomed back its members for a special event.

Now that we understand the basic distinctions between these terms, let’s look at some tips for using them correctly:

• Know the gender: When referring to an individual graduate, it’s important to use the correct gender-specific term – “alumna” for a female graduate and “alumnus” for a male graduate.
• Consider the number: Pay attention to whether you are referring to one graduate or a group of graduates. Use “alumna” for one female graduate, “alumnus” for one male graduate, “alumnae” for a group of female graduates, and “alumni” for a group of graduates regardless of gender or specifically to a group of male graduates.
• Use in context: Always consider the context in which you use these terms. Are you talking about a single graduate or multiple graduates? Are you referring to individuals of a specific gender or a mixed group? This will help you choose the appropriate term.

By understanding the distinctions between “alumna,” “alumnus,” “alumnae,” and “alumni,” you can effectively communicate about graduates of schools and universities with confidence.

Whether you’re writing an email, a social media post, or attending a reunion, using these terms correctly will help you convey your message accurately.