a purchase of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a purchase of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to an item that was bought, usually in the context of shopping or commerce. For example, "She made a purchase of a new laptop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Does it really cost four times as much to process a purchase of four tickets than a purchase of one?

The Guardian - Music

But what perhaps really should happen — a purchase of the shares by the government — won't.

The New York Times

Is the purchase of an A.D.R. a purchase of a security listed on a domestic exchange?

The New York Times

He couldn't fathom making a purchase of Bear's size in just 12 hours.

The New York Times

There has never been a purchase of the Great Lakes, just parcels of land beside them.

The New Yorker

The Treasury can replenish this loss with a purchase of preferred stock.

The New York Times

Best known is the underworld use, "to make a purchase of illicit goods, especially narcotics".

The New York Times - Magazine

For years, Mr. Berns continued to press for a purchase of the penthouse.

The New York Times

A purchase of American Airlines would have to be reviewed by the creditors' committee and approved by a judge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The city also made a hefty purchase of pesticides.

The New York Times

In this case a $70 billion purchase of Mobil.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing formal transactions or significant acquisitions, use "a purchase of" to convey a sense of importance and finality.

Common error

Avoid using "a purchase of" in casual contexts where simpler terms like "buying" or "getting" are more appropriate, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a purchase of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to describe the act of buying something, fitting within broader discussions of commerce and transactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a purchase of" is a common noun phrase used to describe the act of buying something, typically in formal or business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While it's suitable for news, business, and technical writing, simpler terms may be preferable in casual conversation. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing between "a purchase of" and alternatives like "buying" or "acquiring". It is predominantly found in News & Media sources. Always ensure clarity and appropriateness to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquisition of

Similar to acquiring, but often used for larger-scale or business contexts.

the acquisition

Short form emphasizing the end result of obtaining something.

buying something

Focuses on the action of buying, rather than the formal act of a purchase.

the act of buying

Focuses on the activity itself, making it more descriptive.

acquiring something

Emphasizes obtaining something, which can be broader than just buying.

buying up

Suggests buying a significant amount of something.

procurement of

Similar to procuring, but more formal and structured.

procuring something

Implies a more formal or official way of obtaining something.

obtaining something

A general term for getting something, not necessarily through buying.

investment in

Highlights the financial aspect, viewing the purchase as an investment.

FAQs

How can I use "a purchase of" in a sentence?

Use "a purchase of" when referring to the act of buying something, especially in formal or business contexts. For example, "The company announced "a purchase of" new equipment."

What are some alternatives to "a purchase of"?

You can use alternatives such as "buying", "acquiring", or "procuring" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required. Consider "buying something" or "acquiring something" as less formal alternatives.

Is it always necessary to use "a purchase of" when talking about buying something?

No, the necessity of using "a purchase of" depends on the context. In casual settings, simpler terms like "buying" are often more appropriate. Use "a purchase of" for formal or significant transactions to emphasize the importance of the acquisition.

What is the difference between "a purchase of" and "an acquisition of"?

"A purchase of" generally refers to a specific act of buying something. "An acquisition of" often implies a larger-scale or more formal process, such as when one company buys another. While both describe obtaining something, "acquisition of" is used for more significant transactions.