acquire information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'acquire information' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used in a variety of contexts where someone is looking to gain knowledge or data. For example: "The team used their research skills to acquire information about their target market."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rats move their whiskers to acquire information about their environment.

Journal of Physiology-Paris

(Phishing means trying to acquire information – usernames, passwords, credit card details, etc – for nefarious ends).

The Guardian - Tech

They cover a range of techniques used to acquire information in large volumes.

The Guardian

This creates an incentive for agents to acquire information about other agents' types.

Journal of Economic Theory

This paper proposes methods to acquire information from linkography in protocol studies.

Design Studies

Human observers acquire information about physical properties of the environment through different sensory modalities.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Currently, technology can acquire information from the physical world at an enormous rate.

An Introduction to MATLAB® Programming and Numerical Methods for Engineers

In our model, judicial panels acquire information endogenously, through the efforts of individual panelists, acting strategically.

Columbia University

"The way researchers acquire information that they need is completely transformed from a decade ago.

Cornell University

The diffraction of synchrotron radiation in θ 2θ was used to acquire information from the bulk of the materials.

Surface and Coatings Technology

We determine the equilibrium payoffs that maximize incentives to acquire information.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acquire information", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise term like "gather data" or "obtain knowledge" would be more appropriate for your meaning.

Common error

While "acquire information" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "obtain", "gather", or "ascertain" to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire information" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "acquire" is the main verb and "information" is its direct object. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase denotes the action of gaining possession of knowledge or data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acquire information" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for describing the process of gaining knowledge or data. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While versatile, it's essential to consider synonyms like "gather data" or "obtain knowledge" for more precise communication and to prevent overuse in formal writing. Its prevalence in scientific and news sources indicates a neutral to formal register. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "acquire information" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gather data

Focuses specifically on collecting data, which is a subset of information.

obtain knowledge

Emphasizes gaining understanding and insight, rather than just facts.

procure intelligence

Suggests a more formal or strategic acquisition of information, often in a security or business context.

glean insights

Implies extracting valuable information from a larger, less organized source.

collect evidence

Focuses on gathering information specifically for proving a point or solving a problem.

secure data

Highlights the act of making data safe, not just getting information.

ascertain facts

Emphasizes the determination of true and accurate information.

learn details

Focuses on finding out particulars of something.

uncover evidence

Suggests discovering hidden or previously unknown information.

access data

Highlights the possibility of obtaining information.

FAQs

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

You can use "acquire information" in sentences like: "Researchers use surveys to "acquire information" about consumer preferences" or "The company aims to "acquire information" regarding new market trends."

What are some alternatives to "acquire information"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "gather data", "obtain knowledge", or "procure intelligence".

Is "acquire information" formal or informal?

"Acquire information" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal or technical writing, consider more precise alternatives like "ascertain facts" or "collect evidence".

What's the difference between "acquire information" and "access information"?

"Acquire information" implies gaining possession of information, while "access information" suggests the ability to view or use information without necessarily owning it. For example, you might "acquire information" through research, but "access information" through a database.