be acquired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be acquired" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to gain or obtain something, generally through some effort. For example: "After studying hard, he was able to acquire the knowledge necessary to pass the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

could be acquired by Vodafone.

The New York Times

But autism may also be acquired.

The New Yorker

This can eventually be acquired.

The New York Times

Salomon survived, eventually to be acquired.

The New York Times

"This may be acquired through sweat equity.

The Guardian

"You never know if you'll be acquired.

The New York Times

And should a boat be acquired and tied to it?

The New York Times

Endurance can be acquired through training and will.

The New York Times - Books

It can be acquired and it is not right".

The New York Times

Other permits ($5 to $10) can be acquired in transit.

The New York Times - Travel

Sprint agreed to be acquired by MCI Worldcom last October.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be acquired" in business contexts, specify the entity doing the acquiring for clarity. For example, "The company is expected to be acquired by a larger competitor."

Common error

Avoid using "be acquired" when the active voice is more appropriate and direct. For example, instead of "The skills can be be acquired by practice", write "You can acquire these skills by practicing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be acquired" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being obtained or taken over. As Ludwig AI indicates, this passive construction focuses on the receiver of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be acquired" is a frequently used, grammatically sound passive verb phrase that describes the state of something being obtained or taken over. As Ludwig AI affirms, its usage is widespread, and it often appears in news, science, and wiki contexts. When writing, choose "be acquired" when the emphasis is on the entity that is being taken over, especially in business or legal contexts. Be mindful of using the active voice for directness when appropriate. Understanding these nuances will help you use "be acquired" effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be obtained

Focuses on the act of getting something, often implying a more passive process than "be acquired".

be gained

Emphasizes the process of obtaining something, often as a result of effort or experience. It focuses more on how something is obtained rather than the simple act of getting it.

be attained

Suggests achieving something through effort or perseverance, indicating a more active role than simply "be acquired".

be earned

Indicates that something was obtained through work or merit. It implies a direct relationship between effort and reward, which provides a sense of justification.

be procured

Implies obtaining something, often with a sense of formality or difficulty. It suggests careful or diligent efforts were necessary to get something.

come to possess

Emphasizes the state of having something, focusing on the end result of the acquisition. It can often signal the attainment of something desirable or valuable.

be secured

Highlights the act of making something safe or certain, often implying a sense of protection or guarantee in the process of gaining something.

be won

Suggests success in a competition or contest, implying a sense of victory in obtaining something.

be assumed

Focuses on taking on a role, responsibility, or characteristic. Its a more specific situation of acquisition that may have different nuances.

fall into the hands of

It implies a transfer of control or ownership, often unexpectedly or passively. May also indicate a negative situation.

FAQs

How can I use "be acquired" in a sentence?

The passive voice phrase "be acquired" is used when the subject receives the action. For instance, "The company is expected to "be acquired" by a larger firm next year."

What is a good substitute for the phrase "be acquired"?

Alternatives to "be acquired" include "be obtained", "be attained", or "be procured", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be acquired" or "acquire"?

The choice between "be acquired" (passive) and "acquire" (active) depends on whether you want to emphasize the object being acted upon or the actor performing the action. Use "acquire" when the actor is important; use "be acquired" when the object's experience is the focus.

What does it mean for a company to "be acquired"?

When a company is said to ""be acquired"", it means another company has purchased it, assuming ownership and control. This is often a strategic move for growth or market consolidation.