acquire ownership

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquire ownership" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to gain or obtain ownership or control of something. Example: The company acquired ownership of the property after negotiations with the previous owners.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Shares will vest over three years, when employees acquire ownership subject to company performance.

The Guardian - Business

For the moment a plan for the fans to acquire ownership of Liverpool FC must be a non-starter.

The Guardian - Sport

We have also changed the text to reflect the fact that although privitisation happened in 1990, the current owners, Drax Group Plc, did not acquire ownership until 2005.

The Guardian

Even the Russian voucher system of the 1990s may contain clues, since it allowed individuals to acquire ownership in what had been state-owned enterprises.

The New York Times

A I think we do something very unusual in the world of commercial real estate and investing: we acquire ownership interests in Class A assets from existing investors looking for an early exit strategy.

The New York Times

All three office buildings still belong to the joint ventures that have owned them for years, but in January a real estate private equity company, Madison International Realty, paid nearly $80 million to acquire ownership stakes in those partnerships.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Dominique eventually acquired ownership of the station.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Berdon acquired ownership of a wide range of business around the world.

The New York Times

In 2002, Giorgio Squinzi – owner of the multinational MAPEI company – sponsored the club and a year later he acquired ownership.

The Guardian - Sport

So the corporation eventually acquired ownership of about 200,000 houses, nearly all of which were sold by 1944.

The New York Times

Critics claim that China has acquired ownership of natural resources, although service contracts and other concessions are the norm.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acquire ownership", clarify the specific assets or entities being acquired to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "acquire ownership of the company" or "acquire ownership of the land".

Common error

Avoid using "acquire ownership" without specifying what is being acquired. Saying "the company acquired ownership" lacks clarity. Instead, state "the company acquired ownership of the patent" to be precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire ownership" functions as a verb phrase, where "acquire" is the verb indicating the action of gaining something, and "ownership" is the noun representing what is being gained. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acquire ownership" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe gaining possession or control of something, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently used in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science contexts. The phrase serves the purpose of describing an acquisition, such as a company buying another company or an individual inheriting property. While grammatically correct, remember to clarify what is being acquired for better communication. Alternatives include gain control of or take possession of, depending on the nuances of your intended meaning. When writing, ensure specificity in your usage to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain control of

Focuses on obtaining control rather than explicitly stating ownership.

take possession of

Emphasizes the act of assuming possession.

obtain title to

Highlights the legal aspect of acquiring a title.

secure rights to

Stresses the acquisition of rights related to ownership.

come into possession of

Suggests a more passive way of acquiring ownership, possibly through inheritance.

assume control over

Highlights control as the primary outcome of the acquisition.

win ownership of

Implies that ownership was obtained through some kind of competition or effort.

procure possession of

Emphasizes effort and planning in order to get possession.

get hold of

This phrase suggests obtaining physical possession, which is a less formal way.

fall heir to

Specifically refers to acquiring ownership through inheritance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "acquire ownership" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "obtain title to", "secure rights to", or "come into possession of", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "acquire ownership" and "assume control"?

"Acquire ownership" typically implies gaining legal title and rights over something. "Assume control over", on the other hand, suggests taking charge or managing something, even without necessarily owning it.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "acquire ownership"?

The phrase "acquire ownership" is suitable in legal, business, and formal contexts where the transfer of property or rights is discussed. It's often used in contracts, news reports about mergers or acquisitions, and academic papers.

What's a simpler way to say "acquire ownership" in everyday conversation?

In informal settings, you can use simpler alternatives such as "get hold of", "gain control of", or "take possession of" to convey the same meaning in a more casual manner.