gained access

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gained access" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of obtaining entry or permission to use something, such as a system, location, or information. Example: "After several attempts, she finally gained access to the secure database."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What if a hacker gained access to the site?

The New York Times

At 1.30pm, prisoners gained access to two more wings.

The Guardian

Sony also gained access to records from Hotz's PayPal account.

The New Yorker

"It is possible that hostile actors gained access," he said.

The Guardian

Political opponents have not gained access to television.

The Economist

Gavin finally gained access only during the last hour".

Independent

After Tycho's death Kepler gained access to his observation records.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In exchange, Shipyard gained access to Miller's laboratories and, probably most important, its distribution system.

The New York Times

Mr. Taub himself has never gained access to Mr. Babbitt's drafts or sketches.

The New York Times - Arts

General Kalinin appears to have gained access to American money nonetheless.

The New York Times

"The system they examined is not the system through which Mr Alexis gained access.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how someone "gained access" to sensitive information, specify the method or vulnerability exploited for clarity and to emphasize the importance of security measures.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "gained access". For instance, it's more appropriate to say "gained access to the system" rather than "gained access in the system".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gained access" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful achievement of entry or the obtaining of permission to use or view something. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it is used to describe scenarios ranging from hacking incidents to historical achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb phrase "gained access" is grammatically correct, very common, and functions to describe the successful attainment of entry or permission. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It's frequently found in News & Media, but is applicable across various registers from neutral to professional. When using the phrase, ensure the correct preposition 'to' is used and specify the method of access if relevant. Consider alternatives like "obtained entry" or "secured admission" depending on context to enhance precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Obtained entry

Focuses on the act of entering a place or system.

Secured admission

Emphasizes a formal or competitive process to gain entry.

Acquired permission

Highlights the process of receiving authorization.

Managed to enter

Indicates effort or difficulty in gaining entry.

Succeeded in accessing

Focuses on the successful completion of the action of accessing something.

Achieved entry

Emphasizes the accomplishment of getting in.

Gained admittance

Similar to 'gained access' but often used in more formal contexts.

Procured access

Emphasizes the effort involved in getting access.

Effected entry

Highlights the action of causing entry.

Opened the door to

Metaphorically suggests gaining access to opportunities or possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "gained access" in a sentence?

You can use "gained access" to describe how someone obtained entry or permission to something, like in the sentence: "The hacker "gained access" to the company's database."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "gained access"?

Alternatives include phrases like "obtained entry", "secured admission", or "acquired permission", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "gained access on" instead of "gained access to"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "gained access" is "to". Therefore, "gained access to" is the grammatically correct form.

What's the difference between "gained access" and "attempted access"?

"Gained access" implies successful entry or permission, while "attempted access" suggests an effort to enter or use something that may or may not have been successful.