he acquired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he acquired" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone obtaining or gaining possession of something, whether it be knowledge, skills, or physical items. Example: "After years of hard work, he acquired the expertise needed to lead the project successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He acquired an education.

The Guardian - Film

Eventually he acquired more than 150.

The New York Times - Arts

(He acquired it growing up in Flatbush).

The New York Times

I ask him how he acquired it.

The Economist

Later, he acquired a few assistants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He acquired a new name: John Softsword.

The New Yorker

He acquired mining rights in Indonesia.

The New York Times

He acquired "H" -- for Herman -- in 1986.

The New York Times

(He acquired French citizenship in 1998).

The New York Times - Books

As he acquired, he also gave.

The New York Times

He acquired the rank of career minister.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he acquired", consider the nuance you want to convey: was it through effort (gained), by chance (came by), or inheritance (inherited)? The choice affects the tone.

Common error

While "he acquired" is generally acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your word choice with synonyms like "he obtained", "he gained", or "he secured" to add stylistic flair.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he acquired" functions as a transitive verb phrase indicating that a male subject has come into possession of something. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he acquired" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that a male subject has obtained or gained something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and is frequently found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While synonyms like "he obtained" and "he gained" can offer stylistic variations, understanding the subtle nuances of each choice can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. Remember to consider the context and intended meaning when deciding how to best convey the act of acquiring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he obtained

Synonymous; emphasizes the act of coming into possession of something, often through effort or circumstance.

he gained

Similar; highlights the process of gradually achieving or earning something.

he secured

Implies effort in achieving or obtaining something, often in a competitive context.

he picked up

Suggests gaining something incidentally or without much effort, often knowledge or a skill.

he came by

Informal alternative; suggests how something was attained.

he collected

Implies gathering things over a period of time.

he landed

Informal; suggests obtaining a desirable outcome or opportunity.

he won

Suggests obtaining something through competition or luck.

he assumed

Suggests taking on a role or responsibility.

he inherited

Suggests receiving something as a legacy.

FAQs

How can I use "he acquired" in a sentence?

The phrase "he acquired" is used to indicate that someone has come into possession of something, whether it's a physical object, skill, or trait. For example, "He acquired a new car" or "He acquired a taste for jazz music".

What's a more formal alternative to "he acquired"?

In more formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "he obtained" or "he secured". These alternatives often convey a sense of deliberate effort or formality.

Is there a subtle difference between "he acquired" and "he gained"?

While similar, "he acquired" often suggests coming into possession of something, whereas "he gained" implies a gradual process of achieving or earning something over time. For example, "He acquired a collection of rare books" versus "He gained experience through years of practice".

Can "he acquired" be used in all contexts?

While generally versatile, "he acquired" might not be the best choice in highly informal settings. In such cases, alternatives like "he got" or "he picked up" might be more appropriate.