acquire an image

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquire an image" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of obtaining or capturing a visual representation, such as a photograph or digital image. Example: "To complete the project, you need to acquire an image of the product from the marketing team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Readers acquire an image of a character from their reading — exactly as I have of many of Furst's own riveting characters.

The New York Times

The low-frame-rate scheme is meant to acquire an image every few minutes.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

To acquire an image, the microscope raster scans the probe over the sample while measuring the local property in question.

Progress in Orthodontics

In addition, stationary transmission measurements were obtained to provide an indication of the variability of flow in the contactor over the duration required to acquire an image.

Chemical Engineering Science

The cameras simultaneously acquire an image of the parcel and segment it to localise the parcel silhouette on each image plane.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

There is quite a bit of useful data on live systems that can be used to enhance one's understanding of an incident; one just need to collect that data before removing power from the system so that one can acquire an image of the hard drive.

Windows Forensic Analysis

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Monarchies had acquired an image of a defeated, outdated system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On 1 February, Nasa's Terra satellite acquired an image that juxtaposes both types.

The Guardian

Croke Park attained the status of a citadel of both nationalism and of sacrifice, acquiring an image of victimhood.

Independent

Ford, which has been building cars in Europe for more than 70 years, has acquired an image of being uninspired, unreliable, simply behind the curve.

The New York Times

And they understand that because Mr. Bush wound up with a rival challenging him from the left, as opposed to the right, he has perhaps acquired an image a bit different from the one he wanted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about scientific or technical processes, use "acquire an image" to clearly indicate the act of obtaining a visual representation through specific methods, such as scanning or imaging technologies.

Common error

Avoid using "acquire an image" interchangeably with simpler terms like "get an image" in formal writing. "Acquire" suggests a deliberate and often technical process, while "get" is more general and can imply simply finding an image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire an image" functions as a verb phrase where "acquire" is the transitive verb, and "an image" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase's correctness. It describes the action of gaining possession of a visual representation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acquire an image" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, particularly in scientific and technical contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the act of obtaining a visual representation through a deliberate process. Its frequency is classified as common, with a tendency towards formal and scientific settings. While alternatives like "get a picture" exist, they lack the precision and formality of the original phrase. When crafting your writing, remember to reserve "acquire" for situations when emphasis on the method of obtaining the image is important to the overall clarity and tone of your content. Finally, don't fall into the trap of interchanging it with simpler terms where such emphasis is irrelevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain a picture

Replaces "image" with "picture", a more general term for a visual representation.

capture a photo

Uses "capture" instead of "acquire" and "photo" instead of "image", implying a photographic process.

take a photograph

Emphasizes the act of taking a photograph, often with a camera.

generate an image

Focuses on creating an image, rather than simply obtaining one that already exists.

retrieve a visual

Uses more formal terms, "retrieve" and "visual", suggesting a more technical context.

secure a graphic

Implies a more deliberate and potentially difficult process of obtaining a graphic.

get an illustration

Refers specifically to obtaining an illustration, which is a type of image.

record a frame

Commonly used in video and animation contexts, implying the capture of a single frame.

develop a snapshot

Suggests the process of creating a snapshot, often in a personal or informal context.

procure a rendering

Implies a formal or technical process of obtaining a rendering, often in architectural or design contexts.

FAQs

What does "acquire an image" mean?

The phrase "acquire an image" refers to the process of obtaining or capturing a visual representation, often through technical or scientific means. It implies a deliberate effort to get an image using specific equipment or methods.

When is it appropriate to use "acquire an image"?

Use "acquire an image" when describing a technical or scientific process of obtaining an image, such as in medical imaging, microscopy, or satellite imagery. It is suitable in contexts where the method of obtaining the image is important.

What are some alternatives to "acquire an image"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "obtain a picture", "capture a photo", or "take a photograph". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "acquire an image" formal or informal?

"Acquire an image" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for technical, scientific, or professional contexts. Simpler alternatives like "get an image" may be more appropriate for informal settings.