acquired by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquired by" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe when something is obtained or gained by someone or something. It can also be used to indicate the means by which something is obtained. Example: The company's success was largely due to the valuable knowledge and skills acquired by its employees through extensive training programs. Here, "acquired by" is used to indicate that the employees gained knowledge and skills through training programs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Acquired by S.I.

Encyclopedia Britannica

could be acquired by Vodafone.

The New York Times

NBC was recently acquired by Comcast.

The New York Times

Instead, the company was acquired by CBS.

The New York Times

It was eventually acquired by Mr. Sackler.

The New York Times - Arts

(Landmark was acquired by Halliburton in 1996).

The New York Times

EAB was later acquired by Citigroup.

The New York Times

(Aegis was acquired by Dentsu in March).

The New York Times

The site was acquired by M.C.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has been acquired by Universal.

The New York Times

MapQuest was acquired by America Online in 2000.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acquired by", ensure that you specify both the entity that was acquired and the entity that did the acquiring to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "acquired by" in excessively long or complex sentences, as the passive voice can sometimes obscure the subject and make the sentence difficult to understand. Rephrasing to active voice can improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquired by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject has undergone the action of being acquired. Ludwig AI indicates that it is commonly used to show a change in ownership or control. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing business acquisitions, scientific data collection, and artistic ownership.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acquired by" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has been obtained or taken over by another entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various domains, especially in news, science, and encyclopedias. Its neutral register makes it suitable for formal contexts. Remember to clearly specify both the acquiring and acquired entities to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "taken over by" or "bought out by" exist, "acquired by" offers a broader, more versatile option for conveying changes in ownership or control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taken over by

Emphasizes the change in control or management, often implying a shift in power.

bought out by

Focuses on the financial transaction involved in the acquisition.

merged with

Highlights the joining of two entities into one, suggesting a more equal partnership.

obtained by

A broader term indicating that something was gained or secured, not necessarily through purchase.

secured by

Suggests the establishment of control or dominance over something.

assimilated by

Implies the incorporation of one entity into another, often resulting in the loss of distinct identity.

assumed by

Indicates the taking on of responsibility or control, sometimes without explicit transfer of ownership.

controlled by

Focuses on the exertion of influence and authority, rather than ownership itself.

usurped by

Suggests seizing control or power illegitimately or by force.

inherited by

Implies that ownership was transferred by legal succession, usually after someone's death.

FAQs

How can I use "acquired by" in a sentence?

Use "acquired by" to indicate that a company, asset, or other entity has come under the ownership or control of another. For example, "The company was "acquired by" a larger conglomerate last year."

What are some alternatives to "acquired by"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "taken over by", "bought out by", or "merged with" to convey similar meanings.

Is it always necessary to specify who "acquired by" whom?

Yes, clarity is key. Always specify both the acquiring and the acquired entities to avoid confusion. For example, instead of "It was acquired", say "Company A was "acquired by" Company B".

What's the difference between "acquired by" and "purchased by"?

While similar, "purchased by" specifically implies a financial transaction involving buying something. "Acquired by" is broader and can include mergers, takeovers, or other means of gaining control, not strictly limited to buying.