Obtained access to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Obtained access to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of gaining entry or permission to use something, such as information, a system, or a location. Example: "After several attempts, we finally obtained access to the secure database."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Emmerson has obtained access to senior officials controlling drone policy.

The Guardian

But several European news organizations obtained access to it.

The New York Times

German companies obtained access to rare earths and raw materials.

The New York Times

In its investigation, Winston & Strawn obtained access to confidential documents, including tax returns, from ChevronTexaco.

The New York Times

After much ado, Mary obtained access to the medication chart for her husband.

The Guardian

And she worked at Oxford University and obtained access to its libraries.

The New York Times - Science

She found out about the circumstances only when she obtained access to her case records many years later.

The Guardian

Working with a group of fellow hackers and trolls, he once obtained access to thousands of user accounts.

The New York Times - Magazine

In 2011, Chinese hackers obtained access to hundreds of United States government accounts on Google's Gmail.

The New York Times - Tech

Mrs Khan would never have obtained access to her son without presidential permission.

Independent

It is the first time Asio has confirmed that it obtained access to journalists' phone or web records.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about digital security, use "obtained access to" to clearly convey that a system or account was entered, possibly without authorization.

Common error

Avoid using "access" as a verb when you mean "obtained access to". For example, instead of "They accessed the files", write "They obtained access to the files" for clarity and formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtained access to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of gaining entry or permission to something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it used to describe gaining access to information, systems, or locations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtained access to" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe the act of gaining entry or permission to something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is commonly used in news and media, science, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "gained entry to" or "accessed" exist, "obtained access to" provides a clear and formal option for conveying this meaning. Remember to avoid using "access" as a verb and opt for "obtained access to" for clarity. With its widespread use and consistent application, mastering the usage of "obtained access to" will enhance your writing across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gained entry to

Focuses on the physical act of entering a place or system.

Had access to

Indicates a state of being able to use or view something.

Accessed

A more concise and direct synonym.

Acquired permission for

Highlights the aspect of receiving authorization to do something.

Secured authorization to

Emphasizes the formal process of gaining approval.

Received clearance to

Implies that the access was granted after some form of verification or screening.

Was granted admittance to

Emphasizes the act of being allowed to enter.

Managed to get into

Suggests effort or difficulty in gaining access.

Got a hold of

Implies obtaining something tangible or intangible, not necessarily implying permission.

Came into possession of

Emphasizes the act of acquiring ownership or control.

FAQs

How do I use "obtained access to" in a sentence?

Use "obtained access to" when you want to express that someone or something has gained entry or permission to use or view something. For instance, "The journalist "obtained access to" confidential documents".

What can I say instead of "obtained access to"?

You can use alternatives like "gained entry to", "accessed", or "secured authorization to" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "obtained access to" or "had access to"?

"Obtained access to" often implies a specific action or event where access was gained, while "had access to" implies a more general or ongoing state of having access. Both are formal, but "obtained access to" can add emphasis on how the access was acquired.

Is "gained access" or "obtained access" more common?

Both "gained access" and "obtained access" are commonly used. "Gained access" might imply effort or overcoming an obstacle, while "obtained access" can simply mean receiving or getting access through a process or permission.