I have obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "I have obtained" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to having acquired an object/thing, having achieved a result/goal, or having received a qualification/degree. Example: I have obtained a university degree in Economics.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have obtained a garment.

The Guardian - Film

I have obtained the letter.

The Washington Post

I have obtained a copy of the letter.

The Washington Post

"I have obtained something which I believe will do the job.

The Guardian

Recently, however, I have obtained from a few cements diffraction patterns in which a number of unusual lines were present.

Nature

If I have obtained a full scholarship for graduate studies, should I upload this information into the application?

Cornell University

"Compared to the various anti-infectives, with Ropadiar I have obtained much more effective and quicker results.

The New York Times - Science

Before I went to Amherst I had never even heard of an M.B.A.; since graduating I have obtained one.

The New York Times

From a professional aspect, this decision doesn't change the value of the results I have obtained up to now or my future objectives".

The Guardian - Sport

§ 1150.44 Can a judgment I have obtained against the United States be used to satisfy a debt that I owe to the Endowment?

Cornell University

May I still deposit my article in the Repository if I have obtained a waiver for it under the Open Access Policy?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I have obtained" when you want to express that you have come into possession of something, usually through effort or a specific action. It's suitable for formal contexts and emphasizes the act of acquiring.

Common error

Avoid using "I have obtained" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I got" or "I found" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have obtained" functions as the main verb phrase within a sentence, indicating the completion of an action resulting in the speaker possessing something. It explicitly states that the subject has successfully acquired or come into possession of something, which is consistent with Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

30%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I have obtained" is a versatile phrase suitable for formal communication, signifying the acquisition of something tangible or intangible through effort or action. As Ludwig points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. While "I have obtained" sees high use across news, academic and scientific fields, it's important to consider context and formality, as simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for casual settings. Knowing the nuances of "I have obtained" empowers writers to choose the best phrasing to communicate their intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have acquired

Uses "acquired" instead of "obtained", implying a gradual or effortful process of gaining something.

I have received

Focuses on the act of being given or granted something, rather than the effort to get it.

I have gained

Suggests an increase or improvement as a result of acquiring something.

I have secured

Implies effort and a degree of difficulty in obtaining something, often suggesting competition or uncertainty.

I have procured

More formal than "obtained", often used in business or legal contexts to indicate the acquisition of goods or services.

I have attained

Suggests reaching a high level or achieving a significant goal.

I came into possession of

Formal and emphasizes the act of gaining control or ownership of something.

I hold

Implies current possession or control of something, often a document or title.

I have earned

Focuses on acquiring something as a result of effort or merit.

I have managed to get

Emphasizes the effort and possible difficulty involved in obtaining something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I have obtained"?

You can use alternatives like "I have acquired", "I have received", or "I have gained" depending on the context.

Is "I have obtained" formal or informal?

"I have obtained" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal settings, using simpler terms like "I got" or "I found" might be more appropriate.

How to use "I have obtained" in a sentence?

You can use "I have obtained" when referring to acquiring something tangible or intangible. For example, "I have obtained a degree in Engineering" or "I have obtained valuable experience in this role".

What's the difference between "I have obtained" and "I have received"?

"I have obtained" often implies an effort or action on your part to acquire something, while "I have received" suggests that something was given to you without requiring your active effort.