he obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he obtained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone acquiring or receiving something, whether it be a physical object, information, or a qualification. Example: "After months of hard work, he obtained his degree in engineering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He obtained an M.E.

Tribology and Interface Engineering Series

He obtained the same results each time.

The New York Times - Science

He obtained a real-estate license.

The New York Times - Magazine

He obtained his BA at Akron University.

The New York Times

Next, he obtained an M.B.A. from Stanford.

The New Yorker

He obtained his PhD in 1963.

The New York Times

He obtained a PhD (engineering) in Italy.

The New York Times

He obtained his flying licence there.

Independent

He obtained patents for military gear.

The Washington Post

He obtained some relief with 17..

The New York Times - Style

He obtained a permit himself in 2013.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he obtained", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the method of acquisition. For instance, "he earned" might be more appropriate when referring to a degree received through hard work.

Common error

Avoid using "obtained" in passive constructions where the agent performing the action is unclear. For example, instead of "The information was obtained", specify "He obtained the information" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he obtained" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of acquiring or receiving something. Examples from Ludwig show it used in various contexts, from obtaining degrees to licenses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he obtained" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the act of acquiring or receiving something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "he acquired" or "he received" may be more suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey, "he obtained" remains a versatile and reliable choice. Remember to consider the clarity of your sentence structure, especially when using it in passive constructions. Its high frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its validity in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he acquired

Focuses on the process of gaining possession, often through effort or skill.

he received

Emphasizes the act of being given something.

he secured

Highlights the effort or competition involved in obtaining something.

he gained

Suggests a gradual accumulation or improvement.

he earned

Stresses that something was obtained through effort or merit.

he won

Implies success in a competition or contest.

he attained

Suggests a high level of achievement or effort.

he procured

Indicates the acquisition of something, often with difficulty or care.

he derived

Implies obtaining something as a result or consequence of something else.

he collected

Focuses on gathering multiple items or pieces of information.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "he obtained"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "he acquired", "he received", or "he secured".

How do I use "he obtained" in a sentence?

Use "he obtained" to indicate that someone has acquired or received something, such as a degree, information, or an object. For example, "He obtained his degree in engineering last year."

What is the difference between "he obtained" and "he received"?

"He obtained" often implies effort or action on the part of the subject, while "he received" simply means that something was given to him.

Is "he obtained" formal or informal?

"He obtained" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.