has been obtaining

USAGE SUMMARY

"has been obtaining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an ongoing process that started in the past and is continuing until the present. For example, "Nina has been obtaining her degree for the past three years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He also noted a change in tactics at the Justice Department, which has been obtaining civil injunctions against people who deny the legitimacy of the tax laws and promote tax evasion.

The New York Times

One bottleneck has been obtaining pure samples of this complex molecule, which is composed of an RNA backbone decorated by six types of protein that move around as they add DNA to the ends of chromosomes.

University of California, Berkeley

"The toughest question has been obtaining reliable — and I mean reliable for peer-reviewed research purposes — censuses of the number of illegal alien students enrolled in school districts," he said.

The New York Times

The Solar Magnetic Field Telescope (SMFT) at the Huairou Solar Observing Station of the National Astronomical Observatory has been obtaining photospheric vector magnetograms on a daily basis for more than 20 years.

Advances in Space Research

It is true, as Kevin Drum suggests, that the DOJ has been obtaining phone records for quite some time in this manner, and that the angry reactions to this story are accounted for by the fact that, in this case, the targets are establishment journalists rather than marginalized Muslims or dissident groups.

The Guardian - Opinion

Supply chain design is the most fundamental decision that will impact the entire supply chain and has been obtaining much importance recently due to increasing competitiveness in markets (Simchi-Levi and Kaminsky 2004; Thomas and Griffin 1996).

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Site approval has been obtained for an in-ground pool.

The New York Times

Approval for animal experiments has been obtained from the National Animal Experiment Board.

Nature

MitoLoc plasmid has been obtained from Markus Ralser10.

Nature

Water has been obtained via the Tugela-Vaal Water Project.

Britannica

A good agreement has been obtained.

Composite Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been obtaining" to describe an ongoing process of acquiring something over time, particularly when emphasizing the continuous nature of the acquisition. For instance, "The research team has been obtaining data for the past year."

Common error

Avoid using "has been obtaining" when "has obtained" is more appropriate. "Has obtained" indicates a completed action, while "has been obtaining" emphasizes the ongoing process. Use "has obtained" when the acquisition is finished, and "has been obtaining" when it's still in progress. For example: "The permit has been obtained" (completed) vs. "The company has been obtaining permits for the new facility over the last few months" (ongoing process).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been obtaining" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase. It describes an action of acquiring or getting something that started in the past and is still in progress. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, such as research, legal matters, and scientific studies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been obtaining" is a present perfect continuous verb phrase used to describe an ongoing action of acquiring or receiving something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, particularly in contexts that emphasize the continuous nature of the acquisition process. Its usage is most prevalent in science and news media, with a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, remember to differentiate it from "has obtained", which signifies a completed action. Consider alternatives like "has been acquiring" or "has been receiving" to fine-tune your meaning. Be aware of potential misuse and tailor the tense to accurately reflect whether the action is ongoing or completed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been acquiring

This alternative suggests gaining possession of something, often implying a more deliberate or active effort.

has been receiving

Implies that something is being given or presented, focusing on the act of getting something from someone else.

has been getting

A more informal alternative indicating the process of acquiring or receiving something.

has been securing

Suggests making something safe or certain, often implying a sense of achievement or protection.

has been gaining

Indicates a gradual increase or accumulation of something over time.

has been collecting

Implies gathering multiple items or pieces of information over a period.

has been earning

Suggests acquiring something through effort or work.

has been deriving

Indicates obtaining something from a source or origin, often through a process or method.

has been extracting

Implies removing or obtaining something with effort, often from a larger entity.

has been developing

Suggests gradually evolving and expanding something, which leads to gaining experience or skills.

FAQs

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

Use "has been obtaining" to describe a continuous action of acquiring or getting something over a period. For example, "The university has been obtaining research grants to fund its projects."

What can I say instead of "has been obtaining"?

You can use alternatives like "has been acquiring", "has been receiving", or "has been getting" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "has been obtaining" and "has obtained"?

"Has been obtaining" indicates a continuous or ongoing action of acquiring something, while "has obtained" implies a completed action. For instance, "She has been obtaining information for her report" (ongoing), versus "She has obtained all the necessary permits" (completed).

Is "has been obtaining" formal or informal?

"Has been obtaining" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. More informal alternatives include "has been getting".