acquire one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquire one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to obtaining a single item or entity, often in contexts like purchasing or gaining possession of something. Example: "If you want to improve your skills, you should acquire one of the latest training manuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ms. Hoffberger seems in no hurry to acquire one.

The New York Times - Arts

"You acquire one in order to restore it," she said.

The New York Times

Can I acquire one of them? A. You'll have to wait a couple of years.

The New York Times

Though the camera was prohibitively expensive, with financial support from friends and family he was ultimately able to acquire one.

The New York Times - Magazine

Anissa Helou, food writer and chef; anissas.com Tagine pots are versatile, and I strongly recommend that you acquire one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He suggested that the United States had nothing to fear should China acquire one for strictly defensive purposes.

The New York Times

A commercial instinct is not Ms. Jimenez's forte, she admitted the other day, although she is trying to acquire one.

The New York Times - Style

If you could actually acquire one of their faces or some of their features through a surgical procedure, would you?

The New York Times

(A Fantastic Fest programmer told a tale of recruiting his girlfriend for translation duties to acquire one such film).

The Guardian - Film

Manchester United, for example, in need of a central midfield since Palaeolithic times, have finally decided to acquire one.

The Guardian - Sport

Johnson & Johnson would acquire One Touch blood glucose meters and Inverness's fluid-sampling technology in the deal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acquire one" when you want to emphasize a formal or deliberate process of obtaining something, especially in business, academic, or technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "acquire one" in informal conversations or casual writing; alternatives like "get one" or "find one" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire one" functions as a verb phrase where "acquire" is a transitive verb taking "one" as its direct object. It describes the act of gaining possession or obtaining something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acquire one" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies the act of obtaining something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across a wide array of contexts, although it leans towards formal and professional settings. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific domains, it's essential to consider the tone of your writing and audience when choosing this phrase over more informal alternatives like "get one". Remember to reserve "acquire one" for scenarios where a deliberate and often complex process of obtaining something is implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain one

Uses a different verb to convey the same meaning of getting possession.

get one

A more informal way of saying "acquire one".

procure one

Suggests a more formal and sometimes complex method of obtaining something.

secure one

Implies making an effort to obtain something, often against competition.

attain one

Suggests achieving or reaching a certain level to obtain something.

gain one

Implies obtaining something, often through effort or merit.

come by one

An informal way of saying "acquire one", suggesting chance or opportunity.

pick up one

Suggests acquiring something casually or incidentally.

snag one

Implies acquiring something quickly or opportunistically.

land one

Suggests successfully obtaining something after effort or competition.

FAQs

What does "acquire one" mean?

The phrase "acquire one" means to gain possession of or obtain something. It suggests a process, often deliberate or formal, of getting something, whether through purchase, effort, or other means.

When should I use "acquire one" instead of "get one"?

Use "acquire one" in formal or professional contexts where you want to emphasize the process of obtaining something. In casual settings, "get one" is usually more appropriate.

What are some synonyms for "acquire one"?

Synonyms for "acquire one" include "obtain one", "procure one", "secure one", and "attain one". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always correct to use "acquire one" in formal writing?

While "acquire one" is generally correct in formal writing, ensure it fits the tone and context. Sometimes, a more specific verb might be more effective. For example, instead of "acquire one license", consider "obtain a license" if the focus is on fulfilling a requirement.