acquire a job

USAGE SUMMARY

"acquire a job" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you want to describe the process of getting a job. For example, "John has been actively trying to acquire a job since he graduated last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mr. Bush was assigned to research small nurseries that Mr. Gow hoped to acquire, a job that occasionally took him to Central America.

The New York Times

It's possible you would need some kind of visa to work abroad and this would impact on your ability to acquire a job".

The Guardian

She re-entered and was convicted in 2002 of a felony, using a false Social Security card, which she used to acquire a job cleaning airplanes at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago.

The New York Times

To acquire a job in academia or industry, postdocs need to produce their publications in a relatively short time to demonstrate a solid research track record.

Science Magazine

Bauer (2002) argues that controlling for unobserved heterogeneity might be important if individuals with lower ability need more education to acquire a job for which they are formally overeducated.

IZA Journal of Migration

Not only will you look great on a resume, but it's possible that you can also acquire a job more quickly if you study abroad.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A young woman acquires a job at a fashion magazine, along with the boss from hell.

The New York Times - Books

Other English aristocrats bought, too – the Duke of Bedford acquired a job lot.

Independent

A young woman acquires a job at a fashion magazine, along with the boss from hell. 9 1 LATE FOR THE WEDDING, by Amanda Quick.

The New York Times - Books

An individual gains respect as a person by acquiring a job and a role within the local community and being able to maintain his family's livelihood.

The New York Times

A young woman acquires a job at a fashion magazine, along with the boss from hell. 10 5 8 THE LAKE HOUSE, by James Patterson.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acquire a job" when you want to emphasize the process of gaining a job through specific actions or efforts, especially in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "acquire a job" in very casual settings might sound overly formal. In such cases, simpler alternatives like "get a job" or "find work" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire a job" functions as a verb phrase where "acquire" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("a job"). Ludwig confirms its usability. This phrase describes the action of successfully gaining employment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Unknown

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acquire a job" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the process of obtaining employment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers a number of real-world examples. Although not as common as simpler alternatives like "get a job", it is suitable for professional and neutral contexts. The frequency of its usage is uncommon, with the primary contexts being in News & Media and Science. When writing, be mindful of the formality level, and consider using simpler phrases in casual settings. While the phrase is well-supported by authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, alternatives may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Secure a job

Emphasizes the effort and competition involved in getting a job.

Gain employment

A more formal way of saying "get a job".

Obtain a position

Highlights the act of receiving a job offer.

Find work

Focuses on the general act of searching and discovering employment.

Get a job

A very common and direct way to express obtaining employment, but less formal.

Land a job

Implies some luck or good fortune in getting the job.

Procure a job

A more formal and less common alternative.

Attain a job

Similar to 'obtain', but can imply a longer process.

Be hired

Focuses on the employer's action of offering employment.

Take a job

Emphasizes the action of accepting a job offer.

FAQs

How can I use "acquire a job" in a sentence?

You can use "acquire a job" to describe the process of gaining employment, such as: "She worked hard to "acquire a job" in her field after graduation".

What are some alternatives to "acquire a job"?

Alternatives include "get a job", "secure a job", "find work", or "gain employment", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "acquire a job" formal or informal?

"Acquire a job" leans towards the formal side. In casual conversations, phrases like "get a job" or "land a job" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "acquire a job" and "get a job"?

"Acquire a job" suggests a deliberate and effortful process of obtaining employment, while "get a job" is a more general and less formal way of expressing the same idea.