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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
achieve purchase
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "achieve purchase" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward. It could be used in contexts discussing successfully completing a transaction or acquiring something. For example: "After much deliberation, we were finally able to achieve purchase on the new software." Alternative expressions include "complete the purchase," "finalize the purchase," and "make the purchase."
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
make a purchase
complete the transaction
gain purchase
complete a purchase
get a grip
purchase gain
acquisition profit
purchasing power
investment yield
gain traction
establish a presence
gaining purchase
acquire leverage
establish influence
achieve influence
secure an advantage
achieve recognition
make headway
develop influence
find a footing
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
The aim is to assess which type of online promotional incentive (that is, a price discount, a luggage set, or two nights' hotel accommodation) is the most effective at achieving purchase intention for airline tickets, depending on the user's level of Internet experience (characterized as novice or expert user).
He had struggled throughout the game with the field conditions – switching his cleats at half-time in an effort to achieve some purchase on the frozen surface – and was fortunate to see two second-half efforts from Real Salt Lake rebound off the woodwork, but saved his best for the shoot-out.
News & Media
In 21 patients with bone softening caused by osteoporosis or neoplastic conditions, fenestrated screws were used for cement augmentation in order to achieve better purchase (Table 1).
Thus, "deceleration" to achieve surface purchase is achieved through cellular glycocalyx and selectin-mediated interactions inducing "rolling", in a manner that is similar to that in the regulated recruitment of leukocytes to tissue sites of damage and inflammation.
Since increasing a pedicle screw's diameter in an attempt to achieve better purchase will also increase the likelihood of pedicle fracture [ 40, 43], screws allowing their insertion into the pedicle and vertebral body in a similar fashion to that of standard cylindrical screws but expanding distally after their insertion were developed [ 12, 18, 21, 22, 40– 40].
Answer: "Beating the market" refers to the efforts by investors to obtain higher returns from their portfolios than they would be able to achieve by purchasing an index fund that had a comparable level of risk.
News & Media
Thirdly, as little is known about how best to achieve strategic purchasing, there is a need to further investigate the structure of the organisations and institutional arrangements that may facilitate strategic purchasing to ensure quality care provision and efficient use of resources by providers.
Neither had yet achieved much purchase on the outside world.
News & Media
The emphasis for the new under-13 accounts really is on education, since Apple stands to gain a lot from achieving widespread purchase in schools, so it will likely do all it can to keep favour with parents and teachers.
News & Media
For many years trauma surgeons [10, 11] have utilised this position recognising that they could achieve good bony purchase and stability in managing difficult-to-control pelvic fractures.
That is precisely what Smartsheet is trying to achieve with this purchase, giving them the ability to incorporate workflows involving creative assets, whether that's including all of the documents required to onboard a new employee or a training workflow that includes learning objectives, lesson plans, photos, videos and so forth.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In a commercial or retail setting, prefer more natural expressions like "make a purchase" or "complete the transaction".
Common error
Avoid using "achieve purchase" as a generic substitute for 'buying something' in casual writing. While Ludwig shows it is used in business journals (e.g., 'achieving purchase intention'), it can sound like 'translationese' or overly stiff if used where 'buy' or 'purchase' as a verb would suffice.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
In this phrase, "achieve" serves as a transitive verb, and "purchase" acts as its direct object. According to Ludwig, the word 'purchase' here is not used in its common retail sense but rather as a technical term for 'a hold or position on something for applying power advantageously'.
Frequent in
Science
45%
News & Media
35%
Wiki
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
6%
Academic
3%
Social Media
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In conclusion, "achieve purchase" is a versatile but specialized phrase. While Ludwig AI notes it can sound awkward in general contexts, its prevalence in technical and journalistic writing is undeniable. It functions in two distinct worlds: the physical, where it describes mechanical leverage and grip, and the commercial, where it describes market penetration or consumer intent. When writing, consider your audience: use it freely in medical or technical reports, but consider alternatives like "gain purchase" or "make a purchase" for more general or retail-focused communications.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
gain purchase
The most common idiomatic expression used to describe getting a grip or traction on a surface.
attain purchase
A more formal variation often found in scientific and technical writing regarding mechanical stability.
secure purchase
Emphasizes the firmness or reliability of the grip or mechanical hold.
complete a purchase
Appropriate for commercial contexts where the act of buying is being finalized.
make a purchase
The standard everyday phrase for buying an item or service.
get a grip
A less formal, more physical description of achieving traction.
establish purchase
Used when describing the initial moment a tool or object successfully grips a surface.
finalize the purchase
Specific to the administrative or financial conclusion of a business transaction.
obtain purchase
A formal synonym for gaining a foothold or mechanical advantage.
find purchase
Often used metaphorically to describe an idea or movement gaining a foothold in society.
FAQs
What does it mean to "achieve purchase" on a surface?
It means to obtain a firm grip, leverage, or friction that prevents slipping. You might say an athlete needs to "gain purchase" on a muddy field to change direction quickly.
Is "achieve purchase" correct in business English?
It is acceptable but rare. It is more common to see phrases like "complete the purchase" or "finalize the purchase" when referring to a transaction.
Can I use "achieve purchase" when talking about tools?
Yes, especially in medical or engineering fields. For example, a surgeon might use specific screws to "attain purchase" in osteoporotic bone.
What is a more common way to say "achieve purchase"?
The most common idiomatic version is ""gain purchase"".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested