Common Grammar Mistake: Former Alumnus

One common mistake that people often make is using the phrase "former alumnus." While it may seem harmless, this combination of words is actually redundant and grammatically incorrect. Let's dive into why this mistake occurs and how to correct it.

Understanding the Problem

To understand why "former alumnus" is incorrect, we need to first understand the meaning of the word "alumnus." In Latin, "alumnus" refers to a male graduate or former student. It's the singular form of the word.

When we add the word "former" to "alumnus," we are essentially saying "former former student" or "former graduate," which is repetitive and unnecessary.

The Correct Term

The correct term to use when referring to a male graduate or former student is simply "alumnus." There's no need to add the word "former" before it. If you want to refer to a female graduate or former student, you can use the term "alumna."

For plural forms, the word "alumni" is used to refer to a group of male graduates or former students, while "alumnae" is used for a group of female graduates or former students.

Example:

Incorrect: John is a former alumnus of XYZ University.

Correct: John is an alumnus of XYZ University.

Using Linguix Grammar Checker

If you want to avoid common grammar mistakes like using "former alumnus," you can use the Linguix grammar checker. This powerful tool can help you catch and correct errors in your writing, ensuring that your content is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.

Disclaimer: This article is not a promotion or endorsement of Linguix grammar checker. It is simply mentioned as a tool that can be used for grammar checking purposes.