acquire items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquire items" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of obtaining or purchasing goods or products. Example: "In order to complete the project, we need to acquire items such as tools and materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

For the more luxurious interior, he crisscrossed the globe with Mrs. Eisenberg to acquire items like Italian mosaic tiles, U.S.-made bathroom fixtures and Scandinavian chairs.

The New York Times

We all seek to acquire items that we value and that provide us comfort and pride.

Huffington Post

As is common among roguelikes, death is permanent, barring the use of several rare and difficult to acquire items, like the Meat Effigy, Touch Stone, and Life Giving Amulet.

Wikipedia

However, the project provided an opportunity for schools to acquire items that would be otherwise impossible to acquire (copiers, computers, etc).

Unicef

It is known that females are more likely to attempt suicide by poisoning than males [ 8, 9], but we can infer from the high rate of female subjects under psychiatric treatment that they could get drugs for suicide attempts more easily than acquire items for other suicidal methods.

BMC Psychiatry

Acquire items.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He acquired items through auctions, dealers and, later, directly from their original owners.

The New York Times

D1 HOUSE & HOME F1-14 ARTS E1-12 Writer's Work Displayed The New York Public Library acquired items from the literary archives of novelist and screenwriter Terry Southern, whose work includes "Dr. Strangelove" and "Easy Rider".

The New York Times

Open seven days a week between 10 p.m. and 4 30 a.m., the service maintains no inventory but instead acquires items from neighborhood stores and delivers them by bike.

The New York Times

Collecting became something of an obsession for Mr. Haversat, who bid on and feverishly acquired items from the S.S. Adams estate in 2000.

The New York Times

The counter-argument, of course, has always been that had the British Museum not acquired items such as the Dja Dja Wurrung barks and the Gweagel shield, they may otherwise have turned to dust.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acquire items" in formal writing, consider whether a more precise verb like "procure" or "purchase" would be more appropriate to reflect the specific means of acquisition.

Common error

Avoid using "acquire items" in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "get" or "pick up" are often more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire items" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun. It typically serves as the predicate of a sentence, describing the action of obtaining or gaining possession of specific objects or materials. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

37.5%

News & Media

37.5%

Science

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12.5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acquire items" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-toned expression used to describe the act of obtaining objects or possessions. As Ludwig AI shows, while accurate, "acquire items" may be more suitable for formal contexts. Consider using more specific verbs or alternative phrasings for varied tones and precision. Common contexts include wikis, news articles, and scientific publications, and authoritative sources such as The New York Times often employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain possessions

More general term; emphasizes the act of getting something without specifying how.

procure goods

Suggests a more formal or official process of acquiring items, often for business or organizational purposes.

secure objects

Implies making items safe or ensuring their possession; focus on safety and certainty.

gain materials

Specifically refers to acquiring raw materials or resources.

collect articles

Focuses on accumulating a number of items, often of a similar type.

purchase merchandise

Involves buying items, typically in a retail or commercial setting.

garner objects

Implies gathering or accumulating items over time, often through effort or indirectly.

attain goods

Suggests achieving or reaching a point where one can acquire items, often implying effort or difficulty.

get things

A very general and informal way to express acquiring items.

pick up items

Suggests acquiring items casually or in passing; implies ease of acquisition.

FAQs

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

You can use "acquire items" in a sentence to describe the act of obtaining goods, materials, or possessions. For example: "The museum aims to acquire items that represent different cultures".

What is a more formal alternative to "acquire items"?

More formal alternatives to "acquire items" include "procure goods", "obtain possessions", or "secure objects".

Is it correct to say "acquiring items" instead of "acquire items"?

Yes, "acquiring items" is a valid gerund form that can be used in continuous tenses or as a noun phrase. For example: "Acquiring items for the collection is a lengthy process".

What's the difference between "acquire items" and "purchase items"?

"Acquire items" is a broader term that encompasses various ways of obtaining things, while "purchase items" specifically refers to buying them with money.