Attain knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attain knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of learning or gaining information, understanding, or insights. For example: "The teacher's goal is to help her students attain knowledge they can use throughout their lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"To attain knowledge, add things every day.

The New York Times

Through self-knowledge, the devout mystic strives to attain knowledge of God Himself.

The Economist

This trend in turn produced a growing distrust of the power of human beings to attain knowledge of the ultimate basis of natural phenomena.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The way you attain knowledge," Hester once observed, in what amounted to his credo, "is to go to college, get an education, start an argument, take either side, and then put your money in".

The New York Times - Sports

The aim was to gather information regarding what students consider important for their motivation to attain knowledge, in order to shape courses that foster this motivation.

Nurse Education Today

The success of Newton, in particular, in capturing in a few mathematical equations the laws that govern the motions of the planets, gave great impetus to a growing faith in the human capacity to attain knowledge.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

This is a strong indication that Locke thinks issues about language were of considerable importance in attaining knowledge.

SEP

He tried to achieve this by a systematic analysis of the mental phenomena involved in attaining knowledge and in drawing inferences.

SEP

After all, it will be contended, scientific method is the only reliable and indubitably successful and self-correcting method of attaining knowledge (pure mathematics perhaps excepted).

SEP

In itself, it does not mean that we are capable of attaining knowledge, for there might not be any impressions that one can be confident in assenting to.

SEP

The Bible, or parts of it, might be considered testimony about God, and accordingly as one possible way of attaining knowledge of God.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attain knowledge" when emphasizing the effort or process involved in gaining understanding, especially in academic or philosophical contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "attain knowledge" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "learn" or "find out" in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attain knowledge" functions as a verb phrase + noun construction, where "attain" acts as a transitive verb taking "knowledge" as its direct object. It describes the act of successfully achieving or acquiring understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attain knowledge" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression signifying the process of acquiring understanding through effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While its formality lends itself to academic, scientific, and professional contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual settings. Semantically related phrases include "acquire knowledge", "gain understanding", and "obtain information", each with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, consider the level of formality and choose the most appropriate wording for your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acquire knowledge

Uses "acquire" instead of "attain", suggesting a slightly more active or direct process of gaining knowledge.

Gain understanding

Replaces "knowledge" with "understanding", focusing on comprehension rather than just information.

Obtain information

Emphasizes the acquisition of specific "information" rather than broader knowledge.

Secure learning

Implies a more ensured or guaranteed acquisition of learning or knowledge.

Develop expertise

Focuses on building a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular area.

Cultivate wisdom

Suggests a more gradual and thoughtful development of understanding and insight.

Accumulate learning

Implies a gradual increase in the amount of knowledge acquired over time.

Master a subject

Conveys a complete and thorough understanding of a particular topic.

Grasp concepts

Focuses on understanding abstract ideas or principles.

Learn and comprehend

Highlights both the acquisition and understanding of information.

FAQs

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

You can use "attain knowledge" to describe the process of gaining information or understanding, such as: "Students strive to "attain knowledge" through diligent study and research."

What are some alternatives to "attain knowledge"?

Alternatives include "acquire knowledge", "gain understanding", or "obtain information", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "attain knowledge" formal or informal?

"Attain knowledge" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, simpler terms like "learn" or "find out" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "attain knowledge" and "gain knowledge"?

While similar, "attain knowledge" often implies a deliberate effort or journey towards understanding, while "gain knowledge" can suggest a more passive or incidental acquisition.