bent on acquiring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bent on acquiring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is determined or focused on obtaining something. Example: "She was bent on acquiring the rare artifact, no matter the cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The guidance envisioned pre-emptive attacks against states bent on acquiring nuclear, biological or chemical weapons.

The New York Times - Magazine

But imagine first a rapid war, then proof that Iraq was indeed a monstrous regime bent on acquiring deadly weapons.

The Economist

This is the corporate raider bent on acquiring a company and then liquidating it for the money, leaving the employees and the community with nothing.

The New York Times

"We removed a declared enemy of America who had the capability of producing weapons of mass murder and could have passed that capability to terrorists bent on acquiring them.

The New York Times

We removed a declared enemy of America, who had the capability of producing weapons of mass destruction, and could have passed that capability to terrorists bent on acquiring them.

The New York Times

Stunned, Haruko flies into a rage, bent on acquiring the power of Atomsk by destroying Naota.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

In painfully sharp contrast, 20 year-old James Howell, who himself had served time for pointing a gun at a neighbor, acquired an enormous arsenal and drove from Indiana to LA, apparently bent on mass murder at the LA gay pride parade.

Huffington Post

To his supporters Mr Netanyahu is something of a visionary on the topic, who has devoted much of his career to warning that the revolutionary regime in Tehran is hell-bent on acquiring nuclear weapons.

BBC

There is no evidence whatsoever, they allege, that Iran is hell-bent on acquiring nuclear weapons capability.

Huffington Post

Before the Iraq invasion, the Bush administration and John McCain justified their plans by pointing to false claims that Saddam Hussein was connected to 9-11 and that Iraq was hell-bent on acquiring weapons of mass destruction.

Huffington Post

No one holds the White House to account by pointedly asking: "but do we all know that?" So Mr. Obama's leaves unexamined the core premise that the Iran government is hell-bent on acquiring nuclear weapons despite his own intelligence agencies concluding otherwise.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bent on acquiring", ensure that the subject's determination is clear and the object of acquisition is well-defined. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing "hell-bent on acquiring" when a milder form like "determined to acquire" is more appropriate. Overstating the determination can make the subject seem irrational or extreme.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bent on acquiring" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes a state of being determined or focused on obtaining something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Reference

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bent on acquiring" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes someone's determination to obtain something. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by examples from sources like The New York Times and The Economist, confirms that the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not as frequent as other similar expressions, "bent on acquiring" offers a nuanced way to express resolve. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates both the subject's determination and the object of acquisition. Alternatives such as "determined to acquire" or "intent on acquiring" provide similar meanings but may be more appropriate depending on the specific tone and intensity required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determined to acquire

Replaces "bent on" with a more direct synonym, "determined", maintaining a similar level of formality.

intent on acquiring

Substitutes "bent on" with "intent on", providing a close synonym with a slightly more formal tone.

focused on acquiring

Replaces "bent on" with "focused on", shifting the emphasis to concentration rather than determination.

set on acquiring

Uses "set on" instead of "bent on", conveying a firm decision to acquire something.

resolved to acquire

Emphasizes a firm decision or resolution to obtain something, adding a sense of commitment.

dead set on acquiring

Strengthens the determination using "dead set", indicating an unwavering intention.

hell-bent on acquiring

Adds intensity with "hell-bent", suggesting a reckless or extreme determination.

keen on acquiring

Shifts the focus to enthusiasm and desire, using "keen on" to express a strong interest.

eager to acquire

Expresses a strong desire and anticipation, highlighting the enthusiasm for acquiring something.

with the aim of acquiring

Replaces the idiom with a more descriptive phrase, explicitly stating the intention.

FAQs

What does "bent on acquiring" mean?

The phrase "bent on acquiring" means determined or focused on obtaining something. It suggests a strong intention and effort towards achieving a specific goal.

What can I say instead of "bent on acquiring"?

You can use alternatives like "determined to acquire", "intent on acquiring", or "focused on acquiring" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How formal is the phrase "bent on acquiring"?

The phrase "bent on acquiring" is considered relatively neutral in formality, suitable for both news articles and general writing. More formal options include "resolved to acquire".

Is it ever appropriate to use "hell-bent on acquiring" instead of "bent on acquiring"?

"Hell-bent on acquiring" implies a more intense, even reckless, determination. Use it when you want to emphasize the extreme lengths someone is willing to go to in order to obtain something. Consider whether this heightened intensity is appropriate for your context.