Obtain data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Obtain data" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where you are requesting or instructing someone to gather or collect information or statistics. Example: "To proceed with the analysis, we need to obtain data from the latest survey results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hackers would sometimes obtain data and then pass it on to him.

The Guardian - Tech

There are other ways these companies obtain data that comScore was unable to capture.

The New York Times

We will work with our other taxi provider in 2009 to obtain data on the related carbon emissions.

The Guardian

You say Medicare beneficiaries will now be able to "obtain data about doctors who botched their care".

The New York Times

In France, Spain and Germany the police cannot outsource the collection of fines, so they can't obtain data from the DVLA.

The Guardian - Money

The means of interception mean GCHQ and NSA could obtain data without any knowledge or co-operation from the technology companies.

The Guardian

The crash occurred near Mount Patterson, where researchers are deploying G.P.S. units and other sensors to obtain data on changes in Antarctic ice sheets.

The New York Times

In the meantime, the patented method can be used to obtain data on numerous pain sufferers and create averages against which an individual's pain can be measured.

The New York Times

Member states should ensure that their law-enforcement agencies do not obtain data from servers and infrastructure in another country under informal arrangements.

The Guardian

As Gallagher describes about Brown's fixation on these documents: "Hackers would sometimes obtain data and then pass it on to him.

The Guardian - Opinion

He also alleged AIQ has used hacker type techniques to obtain data.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing scientific papers, use "obtain data" to describe the process of collecting results from experiments or studies. Be specific about the methods used to "obtain data" to ensure clarity and reproducibility.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "obtain data through data collection". "Obtain data" already implies a collection process, so adding "data collection" is redundant. Instead, focus on specifying the type of data or the collection method.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain data" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of acquiring or collecting information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase, particularly in contexts where the systematic gathering of information is required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtain data" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase across diverse fields, including science, news, and business. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to describe the action of acquiring information for analysis or research. While versatile, it tends to appear more in formal or neutral registers. For alternatives, consider options such as "collect data" or "gather information", adjusting based on the context's specific needs. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in describing the methods used to "obtain data" to avoid redundancy. Overall, "obtain data" is a valuable asset to be used correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gather information

Implies a more general and less structured approach to collecting information.

Collect data

Focuses specifically on accumulating data points, often in a systematic way.

Acquire data

Suggests gaining possession of data, often through purchase or legal means.

Procure data

Emphasizes effort and planning involved in acquiring data.

Retrieve data

Implies accessing and extracting data from a storage location.

Source data

Highlights identifying and using a specific origin of information.

Extract data

Focuses on pulling specific pieces of information from a larger source.

Compile data

Suggests gathering data from various sources into a single collection.

Secure data

Implies the need to protect the data during its collection or storage.

Generate data

Focuses on creating new data through experiments or simulations.

FAQs

How can I use "obtain data" in a sentence?

You can use "obtain data" to describe the process of gathering information for analysis or research. For example, "Researchers used surveys to "obtain data" on consumer preferences".

What are some alternatives to "obtain data"?

Alternatives include "collect data", "gather information", "acquire data", and "procure data". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "obtain data" or "get data"?

"Obtain data" is generally considered more formal and suitable for academic or professional writing, while "get data" is more informal and appropriate for casual conversation.

What is the difference between "obtain data" and "retrieve data"?

"Obtain data" implies a general acquisition of information, while "retrieve data" specifically suggests accessing and extracting data from a stored location or database.