attain something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attain something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to achieving or reaching a goal, objective, or desired outcome. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, she was finally able to attain her dream of becoming a published author."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Let children attain something.

The Guardian

"I was trying to attain something, but too much thought was going into it.

The New York Times - Arts

And I'm envious of their ability to attain something I often can't: a state of transcendence induced by art.

The New Yorker

But if this band goes right, it may attain something better than solos and set pieces, which would be constant flexibility.

The New York Times - Arts

But that does add to this feeling of struggling against the odds, putting yourself through physical hardship, in order to attain something.

The Guardian - Music

This is a grave weakness (some will think it an invalidating one) but it is also what enables Cimino to attain something approaching the tragic grandeur of a popular epic… The Deer Hunter is a rich and powerful picture that without a trace of patronisation or the slightest touch of cultural superiority, speaks eloquently for the inarticulate.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

If you attained something then you were going to be first".

The Guardian

"The hope of attaining something better prevents the migrants from thinking of failure".

The New York Times

It was then that secular autobiographies — we call them memoirs — first attained something like their contemporary prominence.

The New York Times - Books

The lives of certain key figures unfold across the whole arc of the book, attaining something approaching the weight of fiction.

The New York Times - Books

It seems reasonable to assume that he attained something so close to the highest aspirations of his youth that, as far as acting was concerned, he had no other goals — and no conflicts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attain something" when you want to emphasize the process of reaching a goal that requires effort or persistence. It is suitable for formal and serious contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "attain something" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "get something" or "achieve something" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attain something" functions as a verb phrase where "attain" is the main verb, indicating the action of achieving or gaining, and "something" serves as the direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attain something" is grammatically correct and serves to describe the process of reaching a goal or objective. As Ludwig AI suggests, it emphasizes effort and persistence. While considered neutral in tone, it is more frequently found in "News & Media" and "Science" sources and less common in casual or informal contexts. When writing, consider simpler alternatives like "achieve something" or "obtain something" for a more natural tone. Use "attain something" when you want to highlight the dedication and hard work involved in the process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve an objective

Focuses on the specific goal being reached.

obtain a result

Focuses on getting a specific outcome.

earn an accomplishment

Highlights effort and merit in achieving something.

realize an ambition

Highlights the fulfillment of a long-term aspiration.

capture success

Emphasizes actively seizing an opportunity for achievement.

gain a benefit

Highlights the positive advantage acquired.

secure a victory

Emphasizes success after a competition or challenge.

procure an advantage

Highlights obtaining a favorable position.

reach a milestone

Emphasizes progress and achievement of significant points.

acquire possession

Focuses on gaining ownership or control.

FAQs

How can I use "attain something" in a sentence?

You can use "attain something" to describe achieving a goal or desired outcome through effort. For example, "She worked hard to attain something meaningful in her career".

What are some alternatives to "attain something"?

You can use alternatives like "achieve something", "obtain something", or "reach something" depending on the specific context.

Is "attain something" formal or informal?

"Attain something" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "get something" or "achieve something" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "attain something" and "achieve something"?

While both phrases refer to reaching a goal, "attain something" often implies a greater degree of effort or difficulty compared to "achieve something". "Attain" suggests a higher level of aspiration or a more challenging process.