be able to obtain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to obtain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the capability or possibility of acquiring something. Example: "With the right resources, you will be able to obtain the necessary permits for your project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some may still be able to obtain extra help.

The New York Times

Knowing this, they will be able to obtain insurance.

The Guardian

It is unclear whether audiences would be able to obtain refunds for performances without live orchestras.

The New York Times

•Many cash machine users will now be able to obtain money from their local pub.

The Guardian - Money

Will the developer be able to obtain private financing for the office towers?

The New York Times

Patients will still be able to obtain Avastin, as the drug is approved for other uses.

The Economist

Should nonworking spouses be able to obtain credit in their name alone?

The New York Times

Travellers will be able to obtain itineraries that route them around congested parts of the network.

The Economist

4.33pm GMT Labour's Kevin Brennan asks if the Algerians will be able to obtain intelligence from the terrorists taken prisoner.

The Guardian

They will then be able to obtain the Guardian News Feed plugin from the WordPress plugin directory.

The Guardian

By latching on to a bank, the company would be able to obtain financing in spite of the turbulent markets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve readability, avoid overuse of "be able to obtain" by using variations such as "manage to acquire", "be in a position to acquire" or "be eligible to receive" when semantically appropriate. Each has its own implications that will add more meaning to your overall writing.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily complex constructions when using "be able to obtain". Instead of saying "it is imperative that one should be able to obtain", opt for the simpler and more direct "one should "be able to obtain"". This ensures clarity and conciseness in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to obtain" functions as a verb phrase expressing the potential or capacity to acquire something. As noted by Ludwig, it clearly indicates the possibility of achieving a specific outcome. The examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts, ranging from legal permissions to accessing data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be able to obtain" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the potential or capacity to acquire something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its wide applicability across various contexts. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for news, science, and general informative writing, alternatives like "manage to acquire" or "be eligible to receive" can offer nuanced meanings. To ensure clarity, it's best to avoid overcomplicating sentence structures and opt for direct phrasing. The phrase's frequency and presence in reputable sources underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be capable of getting

This alternative uses "capable" instead of "able", emphasizing the inherent ability to acquire something. Getting replaces obtain.

be in a position to acquire

This phrase highlights the circumstances that allow someone to obtain something. "Acquire" replaces "obtain", and "be in a position" replaces "be able".

have the capacity to secure

This alternative stresses the inherent potential or ability to secure something. "Secure" replaces "obtain", and "have the capacity" replaces "be able".

manage to acquire

This implies succeeding in obtaining something, often despite some difficulty. "Manage" adds a sense of effort or overcoming obstacles.

succeed in getting

Similar to "manage to acquire", this emphasizes the successful outcome of obtaining something. "Succeed" highlights the achievement.

be eligible to receive

This phrase indicates that someone meets the necessary conditions to receive something. "Eligible" specifies a requirement or qualification.

have access to

This indicates the ability or right to use or benefit from something. Access focuses on the availability rather than the act of obtaining.

be entitled to

This suggests a legal or moral right to obtain something. "Entitled" emphasizes the justified claim.

be authorized to collect

This indicates that someone has been given official permission to collect something. "Authorized" emphasizes the formal approval.

find it possible to gain

This phrase suggests that acquiring something is feasible, though perhaps not guaranteed. "Gain" replaces "obtain", and "find it possible" replaces "be able".

FAQs

How can I use "be able to obtain" in a sentence?

You can use "be able to obtain" to indicate the possibility or capacity to acquire something. For example, "With the right resources, you will "be able to obtain" the necessary permits."

What are some alternatives to "be able to obtain"?

You can use alternatives like "be capable of getting", "be in a position to acquire", or "manage to acquire" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "be able to obtain" or "can get"?

"Be able to obtain" is generally considered more formal than "can get". Use "be able to obtain" in professional or academic writing, while "can get" is suitable for informal communication.

What's the difference between "be able to obtain" and "have access to"?

"Be able to obtain" implies the capacity to acquire something, while "have access to" indicates the ability or right to use or benefit from something. "Be able to obtain" focuses on the act of acquiring, whereas "have access to" focuses on availability.