be obtained by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be obtained by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing a method or process through which something can be acquired or achieved. Example: "The necessary data can be obtained by a simple request to the database administrator."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Almost half the coal Arch digs in Appalachia will be obtained by a controversial method known as "mountaintop removal".

The New York Times - Magazine

Billions of particles – enough to yield the desired colour effects – can be obtained by a ridiculously small amount of metal.

The Guardian

It may be obtained by a salesperson, be telephoned in, or arrive by mail.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is easier than it sounds, for conviction can be obtained by a simple majority, "at which point a sentence can be passed, which could in theory involve Tony Blair being sent to prison".

The Guardian

Although the group's effort was accomplished with the brain power of university professors, Mr. Wallach said the same results could be obtained by "a smart kid with a PC".

The New York Times

The proof can be obtained by a straightforward calculation.

Advances in Difference Equations

Figure 17b can be obtained by a similar procedure.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Kinetic parameters could be obtained by a dynamic method.

Polymer

Such information can be obtained by a negligible amount of extra computation time.

Fuzzy Sets and Systems

This can easily be obtained by a transform θ = L − z.

Boundary Value Problems

Closed form expressions of (40) and (45) can be obtained by a similar approach.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be obtained by a", ensure that the method or means by which something is acquired is clearly and directly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be obtained by a" without specifying the exact method or process. For example, instead of saying 'Results can be obtained by a method', specify 'Results can be obtained by a regression analysis'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be obtained by a" functions as a passive construction, indicating the means or method through which something is acquired or achieved. It's commonly used to describe how a result, data, or outcome is derived.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be obtained by a" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to describe the method by which something is acquired. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is prevalent in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, ensure that the method following "be obtained by a" is clearly specified. While Ludwig validates the phrase's correctness, consider related phrases like "be acquired through a" or "be achieved via a" to add nuance to your writing. Remember to avoid vagueness and directly state the method of acquisition for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be acquired through a

Emphasizes the process of gaining something, shifting focus from 'obtaining' to 'acquiring'.

be secured by a

Highlights the act of making something safe or certain through a specific method.

be achieved via a

Focuses on the accomplishment of a goal through a particular means or route.

be realized through a

Suggests that something becomes a reality or is made manifest through a specific action.

be derived from a

Indicates that something originates or is sourced from a particular method or source.

be attained by means of a

Emphasizes the use of a specific tool or method to reach a particular level or goal.

be accessed through a

Focuses on the ability to gain entry or retrieve something through a defined system.

be generated by a

Highlights the creation or production of something through a specific process or mechanism.

be produced using a

Focuses on the manufacturing or creation of something using a particular method or tool.

be yielded by a

Suggests that something is a result or outcome of a particular process or action.

FAQs

How can I use "be obtained by a" in a sentence?

The phrase "be obtained by a" is used to indicate the means through which something is acquired or achieved. For example, "The data can "be obtained by a" survey."

What are some alternatives to "be obtained by a"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be acquired through a", "be secured by a", or "be achieved via a", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "be obtained by a" and "be acquired by a"?

While similar, "be obtained by a" generally implies a more direct or straightforward acquisition, whereas "be acquired by a" might suggest a more involved process.

How to choose between "be obtained by a" and other similar phrases?

The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. If you want to emphasize the method, use "be achieved via a". If you want to highlight security, use "be secured by a".