acquisition of colonies

USAGE SUMMARY

'acquisition of colonies' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is most commonly used in an historical or political context, such as in a sentence like, "The British Empire's acquisition of colonies in the Americas changed the face of world politics for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Bayard worked with Cleveland to promote American trade in the Pacific while avoiding the acquisition of colonies at a time when many Americans clamored for them.

Wikipedia

Part of his strategy called for the acquisition of colonies in the Caribbean Sea which would serve as coaling and naval stations, and which would serve as strategical points of defense upon the construction of a canal in the Isthmus.

Wikipedia

"Imperialism the belief in the desirability of the acquisition of colonies and dependencies, or the extension of a country's influence through trade, diplomacy, etc" is how Wikipedia describes it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Bismarck long opposed the acquisition of tropical colonies, arguing that they were a luxury the Fatherland could not afford, "exactly like the silks and sables of the Polish nobleman who had no shirt to wear under them".

The Guardian - Books

Equilibrium between acquisition and loss of colonies is reached by 2 m of age and their half-life is only 1.9 m.

BMC Infectious Diseases

This leads us to assess the feasibility of a reliable and rapid discrimination of pathogens through the classification of their spectral signatures extracted from hyperspectral image acquisitions of bacteria colonies growing on blood agar plates.

Computers in Biology and Medicine

In 1993, Schieffer left his US Attorney post and became the legal counsel for DM&E; as legal counsel for the railroad, he oversaw the railroad's recapitalization in 1994 and the acquisition of C&NW's Colony line.

Wikipedia

In order to acquire data for a large number of colonies, minimize acquisition time and simplify analysis, the centers of individual acini were marked with the 'Mark and Find' function of Axiovision and images for all acini were acquired at once.

Breast Cancer Research

The transcriptome signature was compatible with loss of this major determinant of B-cell differentiation, with partial acquisition of myeloid markers, including Csf1r (macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) receptor).

Molecular Therapy

The colony authorized the acquisition of certain Narragansett lands in 1672.

Wikipedia

Type I collagen induced a cell scattering in control cells, whereas Ak7 was shown to partially block the acquisition of this distinctive migratory phenotype in Colony 29 cells.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "acquisition of colonies", ensure you clarify the historical context and the motivations behind it.

Common error

Avoid making sweeping statements about the "acquisition of colonies" without acknowledging the diverse experiences and outcomes for both colonizers and colonized populations. Provide specific examples to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquisition of colonies" functions primarily as a noun phrase that denotes the process or act of gaining control over colonial territories. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is typically used in historical and political contexts to describe the establishment of empires and expansion of power.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acquisition of colonies" is a noun phrase used to describe the historical process of gaining control over colonial territories. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is most often encountered in historical and political discussions. Although grammatically correct, its usage frequency is rare. When employing the phrase, consider the implications of colonialism and ensure a clear context is provided. Alternatives like "colonial expansion" or "imperialistic expansion" might suit different contexts. As seen in the Ludwig examples, this phrase is best used with a clear historical reference to provide accurate analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

colonial expansion

This alternative focuses on the process of expanding colonial territories.

imperialistic expansion

This alternative underscores the broader political and economic motivations behind colonial acquisition.

extension of colonial influence

This term emphasizes the spread of power and control rather than physical acquisition alone.

establishment of colonial territories

This phrase emphasizes the act of setting up and solidifying colonial control over regions.

territorial annexation

This phrase describes the process of formally incorporating new territories into a nation's domain.

colonial occupation

This term emphasizes the control and governance established over colonized regions.

colonization efforts

This term highlights the endeavors and activities involved in colonizing new areas.

building a colonial empire

This focuses on the gradual development and expansion of an empire through colonial acquisitions.

seizure of overseas territories

This option highlights the forceful taking of lands beyond national borders.

colonial land grab

This phrase suggests an aggressive and opportunistic approach to acquiring colonial possessions.

FAQs

How is "acquisition of colonies" typically used in historical contexts?

The phrase "acquisition of colonies" is commonly used to describe the historical processes by which nations established control over foreign territories, often driven by economic, political, or strategic motives. It's important to specify which nations and territories are involved for clarity.

What are some other ways to refer to the "acquisition of colonies"?

You can use terms like "colonial expansion", "imperialistic expansion", or "territorial annexation" to describe similar concepts.

Is "acquisition of colonies" a neutral term?

While technically descriptive, the phrase "acquisition of colonies" can carry connotations related to imperialism and exploitation. Consider the audience and purpose when choosing this term, and be mindful of potentially more neutral alternatives if appropriate.

What factors typically drove the "acquisition of colonies"?

The "acquisition of colonies" was often driven by a combination of factors, including the pursuit of resources, strategic military advantages, the desire to expand trade networks, and the belief in cultural or racial superiority. Each historical case has a unique mix of these motivations.