attain in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attain in" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not typically used in standard English, and the correct preposition should be "attain" followed by a direct object or "attain to" in some contexts. Example: "She worked hard to attain her goals."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Perhaps 2666 is the year human memory will need to attain in order to bear the knowledge in "2666").

The New York Times - Books

Munisteri has the look that most political operatives seem to attain in middle age: rumpled, and filled with nervous energy.

The New Yorker

Rankin surely now commands the kind of respect in literary circles that Vettriano still fights to attain in art?

Independent

If the U.S. can bomb a path to victory for the Northern Alliance, we can lay down some terms for what women can attain in the new Afghanistan.

The New York Times

But innocence is a difficult state to attain: in our everyday lives, we struggle to do real good, or even to know what goodness is.

The New Yorker

They're our heroes because it's not about what you attain in life, it's how you handle what you're dealt – and they handled it just beautifully.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It underlines the intense political significance that antiquities, particularly Biblical-era artefacts, attain in Israel, where discoveries of ancient sites or relics can be claimed by particular groups as proof of their historic claim to a particular piece of land.

The Guardian - Arts

Asked about a $1.5 billion revolving credit line that the company is seeking from bank lenders, the analysts warned that such a loan would be much more difficult to attain in the current environment.

The New York Times

Cummings, like Wiggins, is at his best when choosing his own targets, to attain in his own way, but he is a tactician who thrives on broken racing whereas Wiggins needs a structured race to thrive.

The Guardian - Sport

Compliment him on a performance of Mozart's "Così Fan Tutte," and he will speak about the extra dimension he knows the company will attain in the next cycle of performances, meaning a few seasons hence.

The New York Times - Arts

There is wish-fulfilment here; Jodorowsky is using his transformative power to confer on his father a kind of dignity and heroism that he perhaps did not attain in real life.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "attain in" appears in various sources, it's generally better to use "attain" directly followed by the object you are trying to achieve. For instance, prefer "attain success" over "attain in success".

Common error

The preposition "in" is often unnecessary after "attain". Using "attain" directly with the object creates a more direct and grammatically sound sentence. Consider replacing "attain in" with a more appropriate verb and preposition combination like "achieve through" or "reach within" depending on your intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attain in" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, though its usage is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI flags it as incorrect. The intended function is usually to describe the action of achieving something within a certain context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "attain in" appears frequently across various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable. The intended meaning typically involves achieving something within a specified context. However, it's advisable to use "attain" directly followed by the object of achievement or employ alternative phrases like "achieve through" or "reach within" for improved clarity and correctness. Consider the context carefully and prioritize standard grammatical constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve within

Focuses on accomplishment within a specified scope or environment, similar to reaching a goal.

reach within

Emphasizes achieving a particular point or level in a bounded context.

obtain during

Highlights gaining something during a specific period or situation.

secure during

Implies acquiring or ensuring something during a particular time or event.

gain through

Shows achievement coming as a result of a process or method.

acquire by means of

Focuses on the method or tool used to obtain something.

realize through

Emphasizes turning a potential into an actual achievement by a method.

accomplish via

Indicates completing a task using a particular pathway or tool.

effectuate within

Stresses making something happen or become effective in a defined framework.

complete inside

Highlights finishing something contained within a system or environment.

FAQs

How can I properly use the verb "attain" in a sentence?

Use "attain" directly followed by the object of your achievement, such as "attain a goal" or "attain success". Avoid adding the preposition "in" after "attain".

What are some alternatives to "attain in" that might be more grammatically correct?

Depending on the context, you might use "achieve within", "reach during", or "obtain by".

Is there a difference in meaning between "attain" and "attain in"?

While "attain" means to achieve or accomplish something, the phrase "attain in" is generally not considered grammatically correct. A better option is using alternatives with prepositions that specify a method or boundary.

Can "attain in" be considered acceptable in any context?

Although "attain in" appears across a variety of sources, it is generally considered incorrect. Consider alternatives like "succeed in", "excel in", or rephrasing to use "attain" without "in" for better clarity and grammatical accuracy.