be able to procure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to procure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capability or ability to obtain or acquire something. Example: "We hope to be able to procure the necessary materials for the project by next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

We inquire further, and it becomes apparent that we may be able to procure some black-market diesel.

The New York Times

They put together bespoke holidays for various levels of special requirement up to a 24-hour monitored service, and may be able to procure specialist equipment.

The Guardian - Travel

The only way that she'd be able to procure another pregnancy permit now was if one of her children happened to disappear.

The New Yorker

After hearing that the clinic would close, Ms. Perez, 32, set out for Alabama on Sept. 6 because cousins told her they might be able to procure dialysis there.

The New York Times

"My house in Scotland," he wrote to his Athenian agent, "... offers me the means of placing, in a useful, distinguished, and agreeable way, the various things that you may perhaps be able to procure for me".

The Guardian - Travel

One senior NGO worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he would not be able to procure services from Syriatel because it is under economic sanctions from the EU and the US.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Eventually, I was able to procure a small boat.

The Guardian - Books

He was able to procure a few needed medicines.

The New York Times - Magazine

film that Dean was able to procure from that manufacturer.

The New Yorker

The youngster who rowed me across worked for a German man who bred pheasants on one of the other islands and was able to procure a boat.

The New Yorker

Although Mr. Sufaat tried to acquire anthrax, there is no evidence that he was able to procure the appropriate strain used for attacks, officials said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be able to procure" when you want to emphasize the capability or possibility of obtaining something, especially through specific means or effort. For example, "With the new funding, the research team will be able to procure the necessary equipment."

Common error

Avoid using "be able to procure" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "get" or "obtain" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to procure" functions as a verb phrase indicating the potential or capacity to obtain something. It's often used to express that someone or something has the means or ability to acquire resources, services, or items, aligning with Ludwig's assessment of correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be able to procure" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to express the capability or possibility of obtaining something. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific and wiki contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While simpler alternatives like "get" or "obtain" exist, "be able to procure" emphasizes the capacity to acquire something, often through deliberate effort. When writing, remember to consider the context and audience to ensure the level of formality is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage to acquire

Implies effort or skill in obtaining something, differing slightly in its emphasis on accomplishment.

succeed in getting

Focuses on the successful attainment of something, highlighting the positive outcome.

be in a position to obtain

Emphasizes the capability or opportunity to get something, rather than the act itself.

have the means to acquire

Highlights the availability of resources or methods necessary for obtaining something.

be capable of securing

Stresses the ability and action of ensuring something is obtained, often suggesting a competitive context.

be eligible to receive

Focuses on meeting the criteria or qualifications to obtain something, often in a formal or regulated context.

find a way to get

Suggests resourcefulness or determination in obtaining something, often overcoming obstacles.

be authorized to obtain

Implies official permission or mandate to acquire something, differing in its focus on legality and authorization.

become able to secure

Highlights the process of becoming capable of securing something, indicating a change in ability.

get hold of

An informal way of saying to procure something, it's less formal than the original phrase.

FAQs

What does "be able to procure" mean?

The phrase "be able to procure" means to have the capacity or ability to obtain something, often through effort, planning, or specific means.

When is it appropriate to use "be able to procure"?

It is suitable for formal writing and professional contexts where you want to express the capability of acquiring something. In casual settings, simpler terms like "get" or "obtain" might be preferred.

What can I say instead of "be able to procure"?

You can use alternatives like "manage to acquire", "succeed in getting", or "be in a position to obtain" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "be able to procure" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "be able to procure" is generally too formal for everyday conversation. Simpler alternatives like "get" or "find" are usually more appropriate.