i attained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I attained' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts to indicate success. For example, "I attained my goal of graduating college with honors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"I'm not saying I attained nirvana -- I still don't know what that is -- but I attained a sense of relief," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

At my university I attained the Worcester Award for my extracurricular work.

The Guardian

Yet at school I attained the highest A-level arts grades in the country, so was awarded a scholarship to go to university.

The Guardian - Books

It was only after I attained the status of a fully-fledged physicist that I ventured to take up the question personally.

The Guardian

The last age, which I attained, possibly a bit late, in my mid-20s, has much in common with the first.

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps my favourite thing about this game is the achievements: I attained the 'Tall Dark and Handsome' achievement for romancing a guy called Theo, and I managed to bed him in a graveyard winning me the Monster Mash award.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

These stages are (i) attaining design standards, (ii) incremental innovations, and (iii) ushering radical innovation.

Technology in Society

It's when I attain that elusive thing called peace of mind.

The New York Times

I came to win that victor's crown, but how can I attain it?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Having achieved the joy of your friendship, I'd find it disappointing, as I find everything I attain.' AL Kennedy: initial impressions 1965 Born in Dundee.

The Guardian - Books

If, when I attain Buddhahood, women in the immeasurable and inconceivable Buddha-lands of the ten quarters who, having heard my Name, rejoice in faith, awaken aspiration for Enlightenment and wish to renounce womanhood, should after death be reborn again as women, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I attained" to emphasize the successful acquisition of a skill, qualification, or status through dedicated effort. For example, "I attained fluency in Spanish after a year of immersion."

Common error

While "I attained" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "I got" or "I reached" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I attained" functions as a verb phrase, with "attained" being the main verb in the past tense. It indicates the speaker's successful achievement or acquisition of something, as shown in Ludwig's examples like "I attained the Worcester Award" or "I attained Spanish fluency."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I attained" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that indicates the successful achievement or acquisition of something. As Ludwig demonstrates, this phrase appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the register and audience. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it may sound overly formal in casual settings. Therefore, choosing alternative phrases like "I achieved", "I got", or "I gained" may be more appropriate in informal conversations. However, when you wish to emphasize the accomplishment of a level, status, or specific goal, "I attained" remains a reliable and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I achieved

Focuses on the successful completion of something, similar to attaining a goal.

I accomplished

Emphasizes the completion of a task or project, close in meaning to "I attained".

I acquired

Highlights the gaining of possession of something, like a skill or knowledge.

I obtained

Similar to acquired, but can also refer to reaching a certain status or position.

I reached

Indicates arriving at a certain point or level, similar to attaining a goal.

I secured

Implies gaining something, often after some effort or competition.

I realized

Focuses on the fulfillment of a goal or ambition.

I fulfilled

Highlights the satisfaction of a requirement or expectation.

I gained

Emphasizes the acquisition of something beneficial, like experience or understanding.

I earned

Suggests acquiring something through effort or merit.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I attained"?

You can use alternatives like "I achieved", "I obtained", or "I gained" depending on the context.

How to use "I attained" in a sentence?

"I attained" is typically followed by the specific thing you achieved, acquired, or reached. For example, "I attained a law degree" or "I attained a sense of relief".

Is "I have attained" the same as "I attained"?

While similar, "I have attained" implies a more recent or ongoing state resulting from the attainment, whereas "I attained" simply refers to a past action. For instance, "I have attained fluency" suggests you are currently fluent, while "I attained fluency" describes when you reached that level.

What's the difference between "I achieved" and "I attained"?

Both "I achieved" and "I attained" refer to accomplishing something, but "attained" often implies reaching a specific status, level, or goal. For example, you might say "I achieved a personal best in running" or "I attained the rank of captain".