I obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

"I obtained" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to express that you acquired or attained something. For example: "I obtained a degree in computer science from UC Berkeley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I obtained an M.B.A., moved to the States and married.

The New York Times

"Everything that I obtained from the source is posted.

The Guardian

I obtained both undergraduate and graduate degrees in French.

The New York Times

When I obtained the compound, it was already patented.

The New York Times - Science

I obtained 5 out of 200 in O level French – an all time record.

The Guardian

The next day, I obtained a tape of one of his angiograms from a hospital nearby.

The New York Times - Health

Over time, I obtained a more complete spreadsheet of tubal ligation procedures and costs.

The Guardian - Opinion

I obtained Mumbaugh's file and learned that he had served his time well, if quietly.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I have just returned from the north, where I obtained medical proof from victims.

The Guardian

In 1995, I obtained a copy of the co-conspirator list for the Abdel Rahman trial.

The New York Times

I spent three years doing research on my idea before I obtained a patent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I obtained" to clearly state how you came to possess something, whether through effort, purchase, or other means. For instance: "I obtained a grant to conduct my research."

Common error

Avoid using "I obtained" for abstract concepts or qualities that are not typically acquired through direct action. For example, instead of "I obtained happiness", consider "I found happiness" or "I achieved happiness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I obtained" functions as the main clause's subject and verb, indicating a completed action of acquiring or receiving something. As Ludwig's AI suggests, it implies a direct action taken by the speaker to achieve possession.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I obtained" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the acquisition of something through effort or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While it's suitable for formal and professional settings, it's important to avoid using it in abstract contexts. Alternatives like "I acquired" or "I received" can provide nuanced meanings depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I acquired

Replaces "obtained" with a direct synonym, focusing on the act of gaining possession.

I received

Indicates that something was given or handed to the speaker, rather than actively achieved.

I secured

Emphasizes the effort or competition involved in getting something.

I attained

Suggests a formal or significant achievement.

I gained

Implies a gradual accumulation or benefit.

I earned

Highlights the work or effort put in to achieve something.

I procured

Indicates obtaining something with effort, often something difficult to get.

I came by

Suggests obtaining something casually or unexpectedly.

I took possession of

Formal and legalistic way of saying "I obtained", emphasizing ownership.

I laid my hands on

Suggests actively seeking and finding something, implying a sense of discovery.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I obtained"?

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

How is "I obtained" typically used in a sentence?

"I obtained" is used to indicate that you gained possession of something, usually through your own effort or action. For example: "I obtained a degree in engineering."

Is it better to use "I obtained" or "I received"?

While both indicate acquiring something, "I obtained" implies more effort or action on your part, while "I received" suggests that something was given to you. Use "I obtained" when you actively worked to get something and "I received" when something was given to you.

What's the difference between "I obtained" and "I gained"?

"I obtained" suggests acquiring something specific, while "I gained" often refers to acquiring knowledge, experience, or a benefit. For example, you might say "I obtained a certificate" but "I gained valuable experience".