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CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

didn't obtain
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(8)

failed to acquire

did not receive

lacked

was without

missed out on

were denied

were refused

has not gotten

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The U.S. didn't obtain the documents themselves until the fall of that year.

News & Media

The New York Times

The F.B.I. didn't obtain anthrax strains from various labs for comparison until March, and the testing is still not complete.

News & Media

The New York Times

However, what didn't obtain is the current dispensation, wherein those who reject the high arts feel not merely entitled to their opinion, but wholly justified in it.

News & Media

The Guardian - Books

Amazon didn't obtain "informed consent" for purchases until an update in July 2014, the FTC says.

News & Media

TechCrunch

The FTC said Amazon didn't obtain "informed consent" until July 2014.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Those stating that they would potentially cycle/walk for transport given improved facilities didn't obtain higher MET levels than those stating no interest in cycling/walking for transport.

Science

Health Economics Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Voyeur Video did not obtain the videos lawfully.

News & Media

The New York Times

Neurocrine did not obtain the license directly from American Cyanamid.

News & Media

The New York Times

His voucher plan did not obtain the votes to pass.

News & Media

The New York Times

Women did not obtain the franchise until 1962.

Encyclopedias

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also did not obtain the Army's required permission to conduct the study.

News & Media

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "didn't obtain", ensure the context clearly indicates what was not acquired and why it's relevant to the discussion. Specifying the reason for the failure can add clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "didn't obtain" with plural subjects that require "weren't". For example, it's incorrect to say "They didn't obtain the necessary permits" when the context implies a habitual lack of permits.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "didn't obtain" functions as a negative past tense verb phrase, indicating that an action of acquiring or receiving something did not occur. It negates the act of obtaining, suggesting a failure or lack of achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

Less common in

Wiki

Formal & Business

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "didn't obtain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a past failure to acquire something. Ludwig AI shows its common usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in tone, the uncontracted form "did not obtain" may be preferable in more formal writing. Alternatives like "failed to acquire" or "did not receive" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis. Be mindful of subject-verb agreement to avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to acquire

Emphasizes the unsuccessful attempt to get something.

did not receive

Focuses on the lack of reception or delivery.

lacked

A more concise way of saying that something was missing or not present.

was without

Highlights the absence of something, often implying a deficiency.

missed out on

Implies a lost opportunity to gain something.

were unable to secure

Stresses the inability to make something safe or guaranteed.

were denied

Indicates that something was refused or withheld.

were refused

Something was actively denied to someone or something.

were bereft of

A more formal way of saying that something was lacking or deprived.

fell short of getting

Indicates a failure to reach the goal of obtaining something.

FAQs

What does "didn't obtain" mean?

The phrase "didn't obtain" means that someone or something failed to get, acquire, or receive something. It indicates a lack of attainment or acquisition.

How can I use "didn't obtain" in a sentence?

You can use "didn't obtain" to describe a failure to acquire something, such as "The company "didn't obtain" the necessary funding for the project".

What are some alternatives to "didn't obtain"?

Alternatives include "failed to acquire", "did not receive", or "lacked", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "did not obtain" or "didn't obtain"?

"Didn't obtain" is a contraction of "did not obtain" and is generally acceptable in informal contexts. "Did not obtain" is more formal and may be preferred in academic or professional writing. The choice depends on the intended audience and tone.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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didn't obtainGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

didn't obtain
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples