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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
I obtained them
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "I obtained them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to acquiring or receiving items, information, or skills. Example: "After weeks of research, I obtained them from various sources."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
I obtained them to correct inaccuracies in the "C.G.
News & Media
Finally, I obtained them, but only after I managed to rebuild my life to some major extent, with my family's help and my own perseverance, and procure a job that allowed me to finance their purchase.
News & Media
Specimens from five basins were collected between 1992 and 1999, and I obtained them from the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in 2009 (Table 1).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
I've scrounged, stolen, and smuggled cigarettes; I've obtained them by devious means, and I've begged for them.
News & Media
Teams organized themselves to take advantage of these multiple sources, bringing the K&I obtained from them into the innovation arena where it could be evaluated in light of project needs and incorporated as appropriate.
But since we had obtained them legally, we got clearance".
News & Media
Was it because of the way Lord Elgin obtained them?
News & Media
But because I had wanted to read the other books first, I ended up obtaining them elsewhere.
News & Media
But do I need to obtain them by eating a carb-heavy, bulky grain?
News & Media
Rather they maintain that making every effort to obtain them (i.e., appropriate ones among them, given the circumstances), even if one is unsuccessful, is morality and is the only thing desirable for itself and the highest good (V.16-20 V.16-20
Science
In his post yesterday, Musk wrote, "When I started out with my first company, Zip2, I thought patents were a good thing and worked hard to obtain them.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "I obtained them" when you want to emphasize the process or effort involved in acquiring something, rather than simply receiving it.
Common error
Avoid using "I obtained them" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "I got them" or "I found them" are usually more appropriate.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "I obtained them" functions as a declarative statement expressing the action of acquiring or receiving something. The subject "I" performs the verb "obtained" on the object "them", indicating a completed action of acquisition as seen in Ludwig.
Frequent in
News & Media
45%
Science
40%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "I obtained them" is a grammatically sound and generally accepted way to express that one has acquired something. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media and scientific contexts. While acceptable, remember that more casual alternatives like "I got them" may be preferable in informal settings. When emphasizing the effort behind the acquisition, "I obtained them" is particularly suitable. Consider alternatives like "I acquired them" for a more formal tone, or "I received them" to focus on the act of receiving.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
I acquired them
Replaces "obtained" with "acquired", offering a slightly more formal tone.
I got them
Uses "got" as a more informal and common substitute for "obtained".
I received them
Focuses on the act of receiving rather than the effort of obtaining.
I procured them
Implies a more deliberate and potentially difficult acquisition process.
I secured them
Suggests effort and competition in getting hold of the items.
I attained them
Indicates achievement in gaining possession of the items.
I collected them
Emphasizes gathering multiple items together.
I retrieved them
Implies getting something back or recovering it.
I came into possession of them
A more formal way of saying "I got them".
I took delivery of them
Focuses on the final step of receiving something that was sent or ordered.
FAQs
What is a more formal way to say "I obtained them"?
More formal alternatives include "I acquired them", "I procured them", or "I came into possession of them".
What is a simpler alternative to "I obtained them"?
A simpler and more common alternative is "I got them".
In what situations is it best to use "I obtained them"?
Use "I obtained them" when you want to emphasize the effort or process involved in acquiring something, as opposed to simply receiving it.
Is "I obtained them" grammatically correct?
Yes, "I obtained them" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested