Acquire knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Acquire knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is encouraging or discussing the process of gaining understanding or information. Example: "In order to succeed in this field, it is essential to acquire knowledge through continuous learning and experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Acquire knowledge and impart it to the people".

Huffington Post

"They don't understand how kids acquire knowledge," she said.

The New York Times - Tech

However, it is not brains that have concepts or acquire knowledge.

The Guardian - Books

All three versions were inspired by concerns over how humans could acquire knowledge of abstract objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(3) Therefore, it seems that humans could never acquire knowledge of abstract objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fortunately, this conundrum has an escape clause: you can actually acquire knowledge.

The New York Times

Then they can acquire knowledge of those parts simply by proving theorems from the given axioms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is the unquenchable human urge to acquire knowledge, whether carnal, mathematical, historical or metaphysical.

The New York Times

Men can acquire knowledge but not wisdom.

Forbes

d) Acquire knowledge and skills.

European Journal of Futures Research

SDGs: d) Acquire knowledge and skills.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "Acquire knowledge" with a clear objective or purpose to emphasize the value and application of the gained knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "Acquire knowledge" in situations where simpler alternatives like "learn" or "find out" would suffice. "Acquire knowledge" is best suited for scenarios where a more formal or profound understanding is implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire knowledge" functions as a verb phrase, where "acquire" is the main verb and "knowledge" is the direct object. It denotes the action of gaining understanding or information. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acquire knowledge" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression signifying the process of gaining understanding or information. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in science, news media, and formal business settings. The phrase functions as a verb phrase with a clear purpose of expressing learning or understanding, often emphasizing its significance. When writing, be mindful to specify the means of acquisition and avoid overuse in simple contexts. Alternatives include "gain understanding" or "obtain information". Given its correctness and prevalence, "acquire knowledge" remains a valuable phrase in formal and academic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gain understanding

Focuses more on comprehension rather than just obtaining information.

Obtain information

Emphasizes the gathering of facts or data.

Develop expertise

Highlights the process of becoming highly skilled in a particular area.

Cultivate wisdom

Suggests a deeper, more nuanced understanding that comes from experience.

Build proficiency

Implies a gradual improvement in skill or competence.

Accumulate learning

Highlights the gradual addition of knowledge over time.

Gather intelligence

Focuses on collecting secret or strategic information.

Glean insights

Suggests carefully extracting understanding from available information.

Master a skill

Implies complete competence and control over a particular ability.

Deepen comprehension

Highlights the act of making one's understanding of something more thorough or complete.

FAQs

How can I use "Acquire knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "Acquire knowledge" to describe the process of gaining understanding or information through study, experience, or instruction. For example, "Students attend university to "acquire knowledge" in their chosen fields".

What are some alternatives to "Acquire knowledge"?

Alternatives to "Acquire knowledge" include "gain understanding", "obtain information", or "develop expertise", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "acquire knowledge" or simply "learn"?

While "learn" is a simpler and more general term, "acquire knowledge" implies a more formal and deliberate process of gaining understanding. Use "Acquire knowledge" when emphasizing the depth and significance of the learning process.

What's the difference between "Acquire knowledge" and "memorize facts"?

"Acquire knowledge" involves understanding and internalizing information, while "memorize facts" simply means recalling information without necessarily understanding its meaning or implications. Acquiring knowledge involves a deeper level of comprehension than simply memorizing facts.