able to obtain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to obtain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's capability or capacity to acquire something. Example: "She is able to obtain the necessary permits for the project without any issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is able to obtain medical care.

The Economist

Many have been able to obtain licenses and practice medicine.

The New York Times - Health

Some may still be able to obtain extra help.

The New York Times

Knowing this, they will be able to obtain insurance.

The Guardian

"That's all we were able to obtain from that meeting".

The New York Times

Nevertheless we are able to obtain useful insight.

Computer Communications

It happened because a very young child was able to obtain and fire a loaded weapon.

The New York Times

It is unclear whether audiences would be able to obtain refunds for performances without live orchestras.

The New York Times

•Many cash machine users will now be able to obtain money from their local pub.

The Guardian - Money

Back home in Seattle, we were able to obtain an appointment for additional visa pages promptly.

The New York Times - Travel

How many people would be able to obtain coverage under these proposals was unknown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your context. While generally acceptable, "able to obtain" can sometimes be replaced with simpler alternatives like "can get" in informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "able to obtain" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can get" or "can find" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to obtain" functions as an adjective phrase describing the capacity or possibility of someone or something to acquire something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to obtain" is a versatile phrase used to express the capacity or possibility of acquiring something. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and common across various sources. It is most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. While "able to obtain" is generally suitable, consider using simpler alternatives like "can get" in informal settings. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "able to obtain" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can acquire

A shorter, more direct alternative using a simple modal verb.

capable of acquiring

Emphasizes inherent ability or potential rather than the actual act of getting something.

have the capacity to acquire

Stresses the inherent ability or potential to acquire something.

in a position to secure

Highlights the favorable circumstances or advantage that allows someone to get something.

successful in acquiring

Focuses on the successful outcome of the process of obtaining something.

eligible to receive

Highlights meeting the requirements or qualifications to get something.

managed to get

Implies some effort or difficulty was involved in obtaining something.

empowered to gain

Emphasizes that someone has been given the authority to obtain something.

entitled to collect

Focuses on a legal or moral right to obtain something.

in a state to procure

Highlights the state of preparedness or readiness to obtain something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "able to obtain"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of acquiring", "can acquire", or "managed to get" depending on the context.

How to use "able to obtain" in a sentence?

Use "able to obtain" when you want to express the possibility or capacity to get something. For example: "With hard work, anyone is able to obtain their goals."

What's the difference between "able to obtain" and "allowed to obtain"?

"Able to obtain" refers to the capacity or possibility of getting something, while "allowed to obtain" refers to permission. For example, you might be able to obtain a loan if you have good credit, but you are only allowed to obtain it if the bank approves your application.

Which is correct, "able to obtain" or "able to be obtained"?

"Able to obtain" is generally preferred when the subject is actively acquiring something. "Able to be obtained" is passive and less common, but can be appropriate when the focus is on the thing being acquired and its availability. For example, "The information is able to be obtained from the public library."