are acquired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are acquired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the process of obtaining or gaining something, often in relation to skills, knowledge, or resources. Example: "These skills are acquired through years of practice and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both are acquired tastes.

The New York Times - Tech

Reputations are acquired over time.

The New York Times - Sports

Others are acquired during processing.

The New York Times

Consequently, these transformations are acquired.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

New behaviours are acquired via imitation.

Nature

But Soylent, Schmilk and Schmoylent are acquired tastes.

The New York Times - Tech

The depth profiles are acquired by XPS analysis.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Others are acquired by contact with infected material.

The Economist

And some practical conclusions for design and construction are acquired.

Construction and Building Materials

Fluorescent readings are acquired using endpoint analysis after PCR amplification.

Journal of Virological Methods

GENES are acquired at conception and carried to the grave.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are acquired" when emphasizing the process of obtaining something, especially when effort or time is involved. For instance, "Skills are acquired through practice" highlights the development aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "are acquired" when referring to traits or characteristics passed down genetically. "Inherited" is more appropriate in those contexts. For example, say "genetic traits are inherited", not "are acquired".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are acquired" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject receives or obtains something, often through a process or action. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing how skills, knowledge, or even diseases are obtained.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are acquired" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to describe the process of obtaining something, be it skills, knowledge, or even infections. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears frequently across diverse contexts, from scientific publications to news articles. Key takeaways include its primary function as a passive verb phrase, its neutral to formal register, and its use in describing how things are attained. While alternatives like "are obtained" and "are gained" exist, "are acquired" specifically emphasizes the process or effort involved in the acquisition. Remembering to differentiate its use from terms like "inherited" is crucial for maintaining accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are obtained

Replaces "acquired" with "obtained", emphasizing the act of getting something.

are gained

Replaces "acquired" with "gained", suggesting a gradual accumulation or achievement.

are attained

Replaces "acquired" with "attained", implying a deliberate effort to reach a certain level or status.

are procured

Replaces "acquired" with "procured", indicating a more formal or official acquisition process.

are secured

Replaces "acquired" with "secured", emphasizing the certainty and protection of the gained item or skill.

are learned

Focuses specifically on the acquisition of knowledge or skills through learning.

are developed

Highlights the gradual growth or improvement of something over time.

are assumed

Suggests taking on something, often a responsibility or role.

are collected

Implies gathering multiple items or pieces of information.

are realized

Focuses on the achievement or manifestation of something that was previously potential.

FAQs

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

You can use "are acquired" to describe how skills, knowledge, or diseases are obtained. For example, "These skills "are acquired" through years of practice" or "Some infections "are acquired" through contact with contaminated surfaces".

What are some alternatives to "are acquired"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are obtained", "are gained", or "are attained" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "are acquired" or should I use another verb form?

"Are acquired" is grammatically correct when used in the passive voice to indicate that something is being obtained. The correctness depends on the context of the sentence.

What is the difference between "are acquired" and "are inherited"?

"Are acquired" refers to traits, skills, or possessions that are gained or obtained through one's own actions or experiences. "Are inherited", on the other hand, refers to traits or possessions that are passed down genetically or legally from ancestors.