gained custody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gained custody" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a person obtaining legal guardianship or control over a child or dependent. Example: "After a lengthy court battle, she finally gained custody of her children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

He gained custody in 2011.

The New York Times

We will never know, in part because our government has never gained custody of information.

The New York Times

He returned to Bowman two years later and fought and gained custody of Amanda.

The New York Times

My father gained custody, and my mother virtually disappeared from my life.

The New York Times

To that end, he gained custody of Peter Russo, dusted him off, built him up, then set him up.

The New York Times

When her husband divorced her in absentia in the Sharia Muslim court and gained custody of the children, Khitam was left with nothing.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

He has been trying to gain custody since 2004.

The New York Times

The two fathers of the children said they had tried through the courts to gain custody.

The New York Times

Diana's father, Johnnie Spencer, retaliated against Frances by gaining custody of the children.

The New York Times - Books

(Michelle is now in foster care, though the Malakovs are trying to gain custody).

The New York Times

PETA would fight for more than a decade to gain custody of the monkeys.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, ensure you use precise language. "Gained custody" specifically implies legal attainment of guardianship, so confirm this is accurate in your context.

Common error

Avoid using "gained custody" when you simply mean someone started caring for a child without legal proceedings. Use more general terms like "cared for" or "looked after" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gained custody" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of acquiring legal guardianship or control over someone, typically a child. The examples provided by Ludwig, demonstrate its usage in legal and familial contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gained custody" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase that denotes the acquisition of legal guardianship, as reported by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it describes a legal process where someone secures the right to care for another individual. While primarily neutral in register, it is important to use the phrase precisely, ensuring it accurately reflects a legal attainment of guardianship rather than simple caretaking. Numerous alternatives, such as "obtained guardianship" and "was awarded custody", can add nuance depending on the intended emphasis. In summary, "gained custody" is a valuable tool for accurately conveying legal and familial circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtained guardianship

Replaces "gained custody" with a more formal term for legal guardianship.

secured legal guardianship

Emphasizes the legal aspect and the act of securing guardianship.

was awarded custody

Highlights the awarding of custody by a legal authority.

won custody in court

Focuses on winning the custody battle through legal proceedings.

received guardianship rights

Highlights the reception of rights associated with guardianship.

assumed legal care

Focuses on the responsibility of providing legal care.

took legal responsibility

Highlights taking on the legal duties associated with custody.

became legal guardian

Simple change in phrasing to indicate becoming the legal guardian.

achieved custodial rights

Focuses on achieving the rights related to custody.

established legal control

Emphasizes establishing control from a legal standpoint.

FAQs

What does "gained custody" mean in legal terms?

"Gained custody" signifies that a person has been legally granted the right and responsibility to care for and make decisions for a child or dependent. It often involves a court order.

What are some alternatives to saying "gained custody"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "obtained guardianship", "was awarded custody", or "secured legal guardianship".

Is "gained custody" formal or informal language?

"Gained custody" is considered neutral to formal language and is commonly used in legal documents, news reports, and other professional contexts.

How does "gained custody" differ from "having custody"?

"Gained custody" emphasizes the process of obtaining legal guardianship, while "having custody" simply describes the state of currently possessing those rights and responsibilities.