I acquired them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I acquired them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to obtaining or gaining possession of items, knowledge, or skills. Example: "After months of hard work, I acquired them through diligent study and practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I acquired them, along with a number of other of Ocampo's books, from a respected Buenos Aires bookseller at a book fair in Paris," he said.

The New York Times - Books

The Krishes were the first to see reels of Abel Gance's 1927 silent film Napoleon as I acquired them and to reassure me – yes, they really were astonishing.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Yet I've acquired them by aging.

Huffington Post

"I'm smart enough to know what Instagram had and what they could do — especially the minute Facebook acquired them — but I was a victim of naïve optimism".

The New York Times - Tech

"I, myself, was at another company for four years (Integrated Genetics) when Genzyme acquired them," says Smith. "So I can say 'I know how you feel.'".

Science Magazine

Then my peers started sharing their collections of cards and I was acquiring them.

Vice

I was always fascinated with her jewels and how she acquired them.

The New York Times

I have a lot of problems with Tumblr recently since Yahoo acquired them.

Vice

"We knew that when we acquired them.

The New York Times

He'd actively acquired them, and they gave him pleasure.

Vice

I had to acquire them, see them in rows along a wall of my tiny bedroom.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I acquired them", ensure the context clearly indicates what "them" refers to. Vague references can lead to confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "I acquired them" when "obtained" or "received" would be more accurate. "Acquired" often implies some effort or process, not simply being given something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I acquired them" functions as a statement of possession. It indicates that the speaker has come into ownership or control of certain items or entities, as Ludwig examples show, suggesting a deliberate action or process.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I acquired them" signifies the act of obtaining possession or control of something, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically sound and versatile, it's relatively rare in usage. The context tends to be either news-related or scientific in nature. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity regarding the referent of "them". As Ludwig suggests, you can substitute the phrase with other alternatives like "I obtained them".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I obtained them

Replaces "acquired" with a synonym, maintaining the original meaning with a slightly more formal tone.

I came to possess them

Emphasizes the process of gaining possession, providing a more descriptive alternative.

I took ownership of them

Highlights the act of assuming ownership, shifting the focus to legal or formal acquisition.

I secured them

Suggests effort or competition in obtaining the items, adding a layer of action.

I gained access to them

Focuses on obtaining access rather than outright ownership, suitable for resources or information.

I procured them

Implies a formal or official process of acquisition, often used in business or legal contexts.

I purchased them

Specifies that the acquisition was made through a purchase, clarifying the method.

I received them

Indicates that the items were given to the speaker, rather than actively acquired.

They became mine

Shifts the focus to the resulting state of possession, rather than the act of acquiring.

I laid my hands on them

Implies a more forceful or opportunistic acquisition, adding a sense of seizing.

FAQs

What does "I acquired them" mean?

The phrase "I acquired them" means that the speaker obtained possession of something, often through effort, purchase, or some specific action. It implies more than simply receiving something; it suggests a process of gaining ownership or access.

What can I say instead of "I acquired them"?

You can use alternatives like "I obtained them", "I got them", or "I came into possession of them" depending on the context.

Is "I acquired them" formal or informal?

The phrase "I acquired them" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "I obtained them" might be preferred in highly formal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "I acquired them"?

It's appropriate to use "I acquired them" when you want to emphasize that you actively gained possession of something, whether through purchase, effort, or a specific process. If you simply received something passively, "I received them" might be more accurate.