buy information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "buy information" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of purchasing data or knowledge, often in contexts like research, business, or intelligence gathering. Example: "Many companies are willing to buy information about their competitors to gain a strategic advantage in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Without a private eye's license and retainer, it's awkward for them to buy information or beat it out of their informants.

The New York Times - Books

And for the first time, Amazon disclosed it can buy information about customers from outside databases.

The New York Times

It is obviously illegal to buy information about a merger before it is announced.

The Economist

Many choose a data-management platform (DMP) to store and buy information about users.

The Economist

Mr. Hickman said he did not buy information from leakers in Asia.

The New York Times - Tech

It wants to buy information that publishers would otherwise charge for separately and provide it free with its basic service.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Its app includes buying information for everything but autos.

The New York Times - Tech

"Investigations have been compromised," usually when drug traffickers bought information from corrupt Mexican agents.

The New York Times

Edmunds.com, which provides buying information online, estimates that you can get one for about $22,700.

The New York Times

That became clear last week when reports emerged that one state recently bought information from a whistleblower on potential tax evaders, which could blow a hole in the agreement.

The Guardian - Business

The Bush administration should devote abundant resources to improving America's intelligence capabilities and to buying information on the terrorists from other governments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing market research or competitive analysis, consider using "buy information" to emphasize the financial transaction involved in acquiring valuable insights.

Common error

Be mindful of the legality and ethics surrounding how you "buy information". Ensure the sources are legitimate and the methods of acquisition don't violate privacy or confidentiality agreements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "buy information" functions as a verb phrase where "buy" is the transitive verb and "information" is the direct object. It describes the action of purchasing data or knowledge, as supported by Ludwig's examples showing real-world usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "buy information" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to depict the act of purchasing data, knowledge, or insights. As noted in the Ludwig AI analysis, this phrase commonly appears across News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, underscoring its versatility. However, ethical considerations are paramount, emphasizing the need to ensure the legality and integrity of the information sources. While alternatives like "purchase data" or "acquire knowledge" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purchase information

Focuses specifically on the act of buying data or knowledge.

pay for knowledge

Directly refers to the act of exchanging money for understanding.

acquire data

Emphasizes obtaining data, which can be through purchase or other methods.

obtain intelligence

Highlights the gathering of secret or strategic information.

procure data

Suggests a more formal or official acquisition of data.

invest in research

Implies spending resources on gaining knowledge through study.

subscribe to a database

Specific to paying for access to a structured collection of information.

commission a report

Involves hiring someone to create information specifically for you.

outsource data collection

Indicates hiring an external party to gather information.

license information

Refers to acquiring the rights to use information for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "buy information" in a sentence?

You can use "buy information" to describe the act of purchasing data, reports, or insights. For instance, "Many companies "buy information" about market trends to make informed decisions."

What are some alternatives to "buy information"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "purchase data", "acquire knowledge", or "obtain intelligence".

Is it always ethical to "buy information"?

No, the ethics of "buying information" depend on the source and methods used. Ensure that the information is obtained legally and ethically, respecting privacy and confidentiality.

What's the difference between "buy information" and "gather information"?

"Buy information" implies a financial transaction, whereas "gather information" is a broader term that includes collecting data through various means, not necessarily involving payment.