read vs. study

[thedaffodils]

read (STUDY) verb [I or T] UK FORMAL

to study at university or to study for a specialized qualification:

They're both reading history at Cambridge.
LEGAL She's reading for the Bar (= studying to become a type of lawyer called a barrister).

Q1: What is the difference between 'read' and 'study'?

I think the difference between read and study is as the following:

* to read: to study a specific subject, especially at the universary; or to achieve a professional qualification.

* to study: to learn knowledge

Am I right?

Q2: Can I replace 'reading' with 'studying' in the following sentence?

They're both reading history at Cambridge.

Answer: Yes, but reading would be better. Right?

Q3: If I were a secondary student, can I use 'read' in my school? Is the following sentence I made right?

eg. I am reading at No. 1 Middle School.

Answer: Reading in this context refers to reading a book, rather than studying. Am I right?

********

Thanks in advance!

[jamiep]

Q1

"Read" is generally used only for the more "prestigious" established universities. It would not be used for school study.

I'm reading mathematics at Oxford (University).
I'm reading mathematics at XYZ High School.

Q2.
You could use studying but some people would prefer reading.


Q3
For "reading" at a school it would probably have to refer to a specific book.

"I'm reading it at school"

[thedaffodils]

Originally Posted by jamiep

Q1

"Read" is generally used only for the more "prestigious" established universities. It would not be used for school study.

Hi Jamiep,

Thanks for your answers. I have another two questions.

Q4: If it is an unknown second-class university, can I use 'read'?

eg. I am reading literature at ADAFD University. (correct?)

Q5: If it is a community college (of US), can I use 'read'?

eg. I am reading literature at a certain US community college? (correct?)

[jamiep]

I won't say that "reading" is wrong but I personally wouldn't use it for those cases.

For example, I went to Napier University in Scotland which is a former Technical College and no one there would use "reading".

[thedaffodils]

Much obliged, Jamiep.

[Raymott]

Originally Posted by thedaffodils

Hi Jamiep,

Thanks for your answers. I have another two questions.

Q4: If it is an unknown second-class university, can I use 'read'?

eg. I am reading literature at ADAFD University. (correct?)

Q5: If it is a community college (of US), can I use 'read'?

eg. I am reading literature at a certain US community college? (correct?)

In British universities there used to be a position called Reader, which is like a Senior Lecturer - higher than a lecturer, lower than a Professor. I think most Readers these days would be called Associate or Assistant Professors, in line with American Universities.
In any case, the simple rule about using "reading" for "studying", which is universally applicable, is Don't use it.

[thedaffodils]

Hi Raymott,

Thank you for your advice. I'd like to bear it in my mind.

[RonBee]

You read a book. You study a subject. (American English)