0

Using the adjective haphazard you mean "lacking order or purpose; not planned". I need to know if the bold sentence blow makes sense in a natural way within my self-made scenario:

After graduation in pure mathematics I decided to continue my education in French literature. Now, I have a master's degree in math and another master's degree in literature. But when I turn back and look at my past years, I think I have made a big mistake. As a successful businessman today, I think all my studies have been haphazard (meaning not measured and calculated and without planning) so far while it was much better if I studied in the field of business management for instance.

If not, then please let me know what would you use instead?

| improve this question | |
2

I think you used the word "haphazard" correctly, however there are a few other grammatical errors in your paragraph. I would suggest something like this:

After graduating with a degree in pure mathematics I decided to continue my education by studying French literature. Now, I have a master's degree in math and another master's degree in literature. But when I turn back and look at my past years, I think I have made a big mistake. As a successful businessman today, I think all my studies have been haphazard, it would have been much better if I had restricted my studies to business management.

| improve this answer | |
  • 1
    Just one more question! "After" always succeeds by a noun. While the verb "graduate" has the noun "graduation", why have you used the gerund form within your context? – A-friend Jun 3 '19 at 12:14
  • 1
    You could say "After graduation, I decided to ..." but adding the clause "with a degree" changes things. "After" is frequently followed by an action (present tense verb) so I don't agree with your rule. – Ron Jensen - We are all Monica Jun 3 '19 at 12:27
  • "After" is frequently followed by an action (with a present tense verb) that functions as a noun phrase like "graduating with a degree in pure mathematics." – Ron Jensen - We are all Monica Jun 3 '19 at 13:14
  • +1 for the reply @Ron Jensen. So would it be possible to say: "After graduation with a degree in pure mathematics I decided to continue..."? – A-friend Jun 3 '19 at 13:14
  • 1
    Graduation is a noun and does not agree with with a degree in pure mathematics which is an adverbial phrase. – Ron Jensen - We are all Monica Jun 3 '19 at 13:18

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.