I procured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I procured" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of obtaining or acquiring something, often in a formal or business context. Example: "I procured the necessary materials for the project to ensure its timely completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It looked so appealing that I made it just as soon as I procured some rillettes.

The New York Times

Can I tell you how elated I was when I procured this ticket?

The New York Times

I procured both slab bacon and double-smoked bacon from Astoria Meat Products.

The New York Times - Food

A few weeks ago, I procured a copy of Chris Bachelder's The Throwback Special (WW Norton, £16.99).

The Guardian - Books

I procured a copy through some museum friends, but, before they could set up a screening, they misplaced the DVD.

The New Yorker

And had I procured a whole bird, we could be sautéing the liver in rosemary-infused olive oil right then and there for a mother-daughter snack.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"I will not rest until I procure the advanced weapons needed to hit back at Assad and his allies," he told Reuters.

The New York Times

I worry that my floral gesture is inadequate; my friend's suggestion that I procure a Tammy Wynette bobble head doll seemed much more perfect, but such a creature could not be found anywhere for purchase on the internet.

Huffington Post

I am handing myself in to the police to inform them that I have procured the nine-week abortion pills on several occasions," she said before making her way to the police station.

The Guardian

I'd use that I'm-a soldier-being-rescued-from-the-jungle-fronts-by-helicopter frame of mind I'd procured in hours of therapy.

Huffington Post

Consider, for example, the point at which Fleming realizes that she may have been "brainwashed" by her new life: "I had procured aromatherapy oil from my facialist.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I procured" when you want to convey a formal tone, especially in business or official communication. It suggests a deliberate and successful effort to obtain something.

Common error

Avoid using "I procured" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound pretentious. Opt for more natural alternatives like "I got" or "I found" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I procured" functions as a statement of action, indicating that the speaker has successfully obtained something. This is evident from the Ludwig examples where it's used to describe acquiring items, rights, or permissions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I procured" is a formal way of saying that you obtained or acquired something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and best suited for professional and news contexts. While it is a common phrase, be mindful of the setting, as overly formal language can sound unnatural in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "I acquired" or "I obtained" to adjust the tone as needed. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "I procured" to add sophistication to your writing and speaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I acquired

Replaces "procured" with a more common synonym, suitable for a wide range of contexts.

I obtained

Similar to "acquired", offering a slightly less formal alternative to "procured".

I secured

Implies effort or competition in obtaining something, adding a nuance not present in "procured".

I obtained possession of

A more formal and explicit way of saying "I procured", emphasizing ownership.

I came into possession of

Similar to "obtained possession of", but suggests a less direct or active role in acquiring the item.

I managed to get

Indicates some difficulty or effort was involved in obtaining the item.

I laid my hands on

Suggests finding or obtaining something, sometimes implying it was difficult to find.

I took hold of

Focuses on the act of grasping or seizing something, which can be physical or metaphorical.

I bought

Specifically indicates purchase as the means of obtaining something, rather than other means.

I picked up

Casual way of saying "I acquired".

FAQs

What does "I procured" mean?

The phrase "I procured" means that you have obtained something, often through careful effort or by official means. It's a more formal way of saying "I got" or "I acquired".

When is it appropriate to use "I procured"?

It's appropriate to use "I procured" in formal writing, business correspondence, or situations where you want to emphasize the deliberate effort involved in obtaining something. For instance, you might say, "I procured the necessary permits".

What can I say instead of "I procured"?

You can use alternatives like "I acquired", "I obtained", or "I secured" depending on the context. These alternatives offer varying degrees of formality and nuance.

Is "I procured" more formal than "I got"?

Yes, "I procured" is considerably more formal than "I got". While "I got" is suitable for everyday conversation, "I procured" is reserved for more formal or official contexts where a higher level of language is expected.