acquire knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquire knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a way to express that someone is learning new information or understanding something better. For example: "My main goal is to acquire knowledge and develop new skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Teaming helps individuals acquire knowledge, skills, and networks.

Harvard Business Review

"They don't understand how kids acquire knowledge," she said.

The New York Times - Tech

How can we acquire knowledge and avoid misinformation from others?

University of California, Berkeley

He challenged all to continuously learn and acquire knowledge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

However, it is not brains that have concepts or acquire knowledge.

The Guardian - Books

Amazon determines how people shop, Google how they acquire knowledge, Facebook how they communicate.

The New York Times - Tech

Individuals who learn to team well acquire knowledge, skills, and networks.

Harvard Business Review

All three versions were inspired by concerns over how humans could acquire knowledge of abstract objects.

Britannica

Becoming an expert begins with deciding whom you will acquire knowledge from and how.

Harvard Business Review

(3) Therefore, it seems that humans could never acquire knowledge of abstract objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fortunately, this conundrum has an escape clause: you can actually acquire knowledge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acquire knowledge" when you want to emphasize the active process of gaining information or skills, especially through study or experience.

Common error

While often associated with education, remember that you can "acquire knowledge" from everyday experiences, conversations, and personal exploration. Don't confine its use solely to academic or professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire knowledge" functions as a verb phrase where "acquire" is the transitive verb and "knowledge" is the direct object. It describes the action of gaining or obtaining knowledge. As shown in Ludwig, it is a common expression in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

26%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acquire knowledge" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that signifies the process of gaining information and understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across diverse sources like news, scientific publications, and academic texts. The phrase suits formal to neutral contexts, making it appropriate for expressing the active pursuit of learning in various professional, educational, and personal development settings. Alternatives such as "gain understanding" or "obtain information" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis, but "acquire knowledge" remains a versatile and effective choice for conveying the act of learning and expanding one's understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain understanding

Focuses on the result of acquiring knowledge, which is comprehension.

broaden understanding

Emphasizes the expansion of comprehension on a subject.

obtain information

Emphasizes the gathering of specific facts and data.

assimilate information

Focuses on the process of absorbing and understanding new information.

learn new things

A more general and informal way to express acquiring knowledge.

cultivate knowledge

Implies a deliberate and ongoing effort to develop knowledge.

develop expertise

Suggests acquiring a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area.

build expertise

Highlights the progressive development of skill and mastery.

expand one's horizons

Focuses on broadening one's understanding and experience.

increase awareness

Highlights becoming more conscious and informed about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "acquire knowledge" in various contexts. For example, "Students attend university to acquire knowledge and skills", or "Reading books is a great way to acquire knowledge about different cultures".

What are some alternatives to "acquire knowledge"?

You can use alternatives like "gain understanding", "obtain information", or "learn new things", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "acquire knowledge" or "gain knowledge"?

Both "acquire knowledge" and "gain knowledge" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context of your writing.

What's the difference between "acquire knowledge" and "memorize facts"?

"Acquire knowledge" implies a deeper understanding and integration of information, while "memorize facts" refers to simply storing information in your memory without necessarily understanding its context or implications.