attain status

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attain status" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to someone achieving a certain level or position, such as a promotion or prestigious award. For example, "She worked hard to attain status as an executive at the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

People who express confidence are more likely to attain status in groups and more likely to wield influence over others.

University of California, Berkeley

"You can attain status at any of these places by being a loyal patron," said Mr. Schwartz, who is a regular at Michael's.

The New York Times - Food

The reason I think it struggles successfully to attain status as either a truly successful thriller or tragedy is that the stakes are low.

The Guardian

If we're lucky, those of us lacking Y chromosomes can serve as status symbols, but rarely, it seems can we attain status on our own merits.

The New York Times - Magazine

Juvenile gangs often perform delinquent acts, not solely out of frustration with society but also out of a need to attain status within their group.

Britannica

Political and religious institutions are traditionally bound together into a complex of hierarchically arranged yearlong offices through which adult males may attain status and power in the community.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

So it seems managers must make a tradeoff between attaining status based on intimidation and getting status based on admiration.

Harvard Business Review

The Jewish Studies Program was founded as an extension of the Department of Semitic Languages and Literatures, now the Department of Near Eastern Studies, in 1973 and attained status as an intercollegiate program in 1976.

Cornell University

Nast’s full-page illustration of Santa Claus in 1881 quickly attained status akin to an official portrait, and is still widely reproduced today.

The New York Times

"It was more about attaining status than finding love or even sex," he says.

Huffington Post

Therefore, plants have attained status of natural source of new and potent antimicrobial agents [ 2].

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about career advancement, use "attain status" to emphasize the effort and determination required to reach a desired professional level.

Common error

Avoid using "attain status" in informal or casual settings. Opt for alternatives like "become popular" or "get noticed" to better suit the tone and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attain status" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "attain" is the verb and "status" is the noun serving as the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms that it expresses the action of achieving a particular standing or position.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attain status" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for describing the act of reaching a specific level of recognition or position. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it appears frequently enough in reputable sources like The New York Times and Forbes to be considered an accepted phrase. Its usage is most prevalent in news, encyclopedia entries, and scientific writing, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone, and remember that alternatives such as "achieve status" or "gain status" may be more suitable in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Achieve status

Focuses more on the accomplishment or reaching a certain level.

Gain status

Implies acquiring or receiving status, often through external means or recognition.

Obtain status

Similar to "gain status", suggesting a more formal or deliberate acquisition.

Reach prominence

Highlights achieving a high level of recognition or importance.

Rise to power

Specifically refers to achieving a position of authority or control.

Ascend the ladder

Emphasizes upward movement in a hierarchical structure.

Improve standing

Focuses on enhancing one's reputation or position within a community.

Win recognition

Highlights gaining acknowledgment or approval for one's achievements.

Secure a position

Emphasizes obtaining a specific role or place within an organization.

Earn respect

Focuses on gaining admiration and esteem from others.

FAQs

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

You can use "attain status" when describing someone achieving a certain level or position, such as "She worked diligently to "attain status" as a respected leader in the community".

What are some alternatives to "attain status"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "achieve status", "gain status", or "reach prominence".

Is it more appropriate to say "attain status" or "achieve status"?

Both "attain status" and "achieve status" are correct and often interchangeable. However, "attain" may imply a greater degree of effort or perseverance.

Which word is a closer synonym: 'reach' or 'attain'?

Both "reach" and "attain" are valid synonyms, but "attain" can also mean to accomplish or achieve, while reach only means to extend as far as. It is more appropriate to "attain success" than reach success.