has been acquiring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'has been acquiring' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking/writing about something that has been happening for some time and has been happening up to the present time. For example, "She has been acquiring new skills since she started the course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

has been acquiring & asserting authority.

The New Yorker

Lately, he has been acquiring amulets meant to protect babies.

The New York Times - Arts

Since the 1990s he has been acquiring mounds of paperwork showing this politician's sympathetic sides.

The New York Times - Arts

One major problem has been acquiring enough land to build bases.

Independent

But as so often in India, one of the biggest delays has been acquiring the land.

The Economist

ABN Amro of the Netherlands has been acquiring smaller banks across Europe.

The New York Times

For more than two decades, the company has been acquiring dozens of major brands.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It has been acquired by Universal.

The New York Times

Each of the networks has been acquired in recent years.

The New York Times

Confiscate property that has been acquired through proceeds of poaching.

The Guardian

Joost has been acquired.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been acquiring" to describe a continuous process of gaining or obtaining something over a period of time. For example, "The company has been acquiring smaller businesses to expand its market share."

Common error

Avoid using "has been acquiring" to describe a one-time event. Instead, use the past simple tense, such as "acquired". For example, instead of "The museum has been acquiring the painting last year", say "The museum acquired the painting last year".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been acquiring" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. This tense indicates an action that started in the past, continues into the present, and may continue into the future. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been acquiring" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct to use this expression to describe an ongoing process of obtaining something over time. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, this phrase conveys a sense of continuous action and sustained effort. Remember to use it when describing actions that started in the past and continue to the present, while avoiding its use for completed, one-time events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been obtaining

Focuses more on the act of getting or receiving something, potentially through effort or request.

has been accumulating

Emphasizes the gradual increase in quantity over a period.

has been securing

Highlights the effort to protect or ensure possession of something.

has been amassing

Suggests gathering a large quantity, often implying wealth or power.

has been gathering

Indicates collecting items or information, potentially from different sources.

has been collecting

Similar to gathering, but often implies a more deliberate or systematic approach.

has been building up

Implies a gradual increase, often with the intention of creating something larger.

has been developing

Focuses on the gradual growth or improvement of something over time.

has worked to acquire

Emphasizes the effort or labor involved in the act of acquisition.

has sought to obtain

Highlights the intention or desire to get something, often through formal means.

FAQs

How do I use "has been acquiring" in a sentence?

Use "has been acquiring" to indicate a continuous action of obtaining something over a period. For example, "The university "has been acquiring" new research equipment to enhance its scientific capabilities".

What are some alternatives to "has been acquiring"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "has been obtaining", "has been securing", or "has been accumulating".

What is the difference between "has been acquiring" and "has acquired"?

"Has been acquiring" implies a continuous process over time, while "has acquired" suggests a completed action. For example, "The company "has been acquiring" assets for years" versus "The company "has acquired" a new subsidiary".

Is it correct to use "has been acquiring" in formal writing?

Yes, "has been acquiring" is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing, especially when describing a continuous process. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is grammatically correct.