having obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having obtained" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something happened after another event. For example, "Having obtained a degree in computer science, I was able to find an excellent job in the tech industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Khan has consistently denied having obtained a gagging order.

The Guardian

"Having obtained the age of wisdom, I have given up soothsaying," he said.

The New York Times

Having obtained power, the cruel and brutal Killmonger has no intention of relinquishing it ever.

The New Yorker

Having obtained three medical degrees, in 1945 he practised successfully in Dublin for a year.

The Guardian

His curious activities in Italy recently also point clearly to his having obtained a new employer.

The Guardian

Blix failed to do this but, having obtained a copy of his letter, I shall try.

The Guardian - Opinion

Having obtained Gregory's forgiveness, Henry promptly "descended on Rome with an army".

The New York Times - Books

A total of 88 people were accused of having obtained medical credentials by fraud.

The New York Times

Marr said he had become "uneasy" as a journalist at having obtained it.

The Guardian

Having obtained Jefferson, the Spurs then signed Antonio McDyess, Keith Bogans and Theo Ratliff, giving them a fantastically deep bench.

The New York Times

Having obtained a sinecure as a Distributor of Stamps, he hired menials to do the work and pocketed the profits.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the subject performing the action of 'obtaining' is clearly stated or easily inferred to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid placing "having obtained" too far from the subject it modifies, as this can lead to confusion about who or what performed the action. Ensure the phrase is as close as possible to the noun or pronoun it describes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having obtained" functions as a participle phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun and indicating an action completed before another action occurs. Ludwig examples illustrate how this phrase sets the stage for subsequent events or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having obtained" is a versatile and grammatically sound participle phrase used to indicate the completion of an action prior to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and common across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by keeping it close to the subject it modifies and consider alternatives like "after acquiring" or "upon securing" to add variety to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "having obtained" to establish clear cause-and-effect relationships in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after acquiring

Focuses on the action of getting possession, similar to obtaining.

once in possession of

Emphasizes the state of possessing something after it was obtained.

with acquisition of

Highlights the act of gaining or acquiring something, suggesting a process.

upon securing

Stresses the effort involved in making something safe or certain.

following receipt of

Emphasizes the act of receiving something before the next action.

on achieving

Focuses on reaching a specific goal or outcome.

subsequent to gaining

Highlights the sequence of gaining something and the subsequent action.

now that one has

Expresses a condition being met, which permits the next event to happen.

after getting hold of

Emphasizes the process of getting something, often implying difficulty.

with the procurement of

Focuses on the formal or official process of acquiring something.

FAQs

How can I use "having obtained" in a sentence?

Use "having obtained" to introduce a situation that results from a previous action. For example, "Having obtained the necessary permits, construction could begin."

What are some alternatives to "having obtained"?

You can use alternatives like "after acquiring", "once in possession of", or "upon securing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "having obtained" instead of "after obtaining"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "having obtained" often implies a more direct and immediate consequence of the action than "after obtaining".

What's the difference between "having obtained" and "obtaining"?

"Having obtained" is a perfect participle phrase that emphasizes the completion of the action before a subsequent event, while "obtaining" is a gerund or present participle that can describe an ongoing action or a noun.