i have obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have obtained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that you have acquired or received something, whether it be information, a document, or an object. Example: "I have obtained the necessary permits to start the construction project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

I have obtained a garment.

The Guardian - Film

"I have obtained something which I believe will do the job.

The Guardian

"Compared to the various anti-infectives, with Ropadiar I have obtained much more effective and quicker results.

The New York Times - Science

Before I went to Amherst I had never even heard of an M.B.A.; since graduating I have obtained one.

The New York Times

From a professional aspect, this decision doesn't change the value of the results I have obtained up to now or my future objectives".

The Guardian - Sport

As the 1st Baron Cloncurry, Lawless acknowledged this costly promotion by writing to the Viceroy: "If I have obtained any honours, they have cost me their full value".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Let ( Pb_i^t = [{pb_{i,1}^t,pb_{i,2}^t, ldots,pb_{i,2n}^t }] ) be the best solution which particle i has obtained by iteration t, and let ( P_g^t = [{p_{g,1}^t,p_{g,2}^t, ldots,p_{g,2n}^t }] ) be the best solution obtained by iteration t.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

I had obtained a fellowship to Carnegie-Mellon in Pittsburgh.

The New York Times - Science

I've scrounged, stolen, and smuggled cigarettes; I've obtained them by devious means, and I've begged for them.

The New Yorker

In particular, shopping for myself, I had obtained a pair of oxblood shoes with quilt tops and foam rubber soles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I had obtained Barbette's address through friends of mine who spend the winter in Florida, near Sarasota.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I have obtained" to formally state that you have acquired something, especially when the method of acquisition is important or relevant to the context.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "I have obtained" in casual conversation or informal writing can sound overly formal or stilted. Consider using simpler alternatives like "I got" or "I found" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have obtained" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that the speaker has come into possession of something. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and suitable for various writing contexts. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from acquiring documents to degrees.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I have obtained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating that one has acquired something. According to Ludwig, it is appropriate for various writing contexts, though it tends to lean towards formal usage. While perfectly correct, it can occasionally sound stilted in very informal conversations, and simpler alternatives may be more suitable. Its usage is most prevalent in News & Media and Science, signifying its utility in conveying factual information and research findings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have acquired

This alternative emphasizes the process of gaining possession or control of something, often through effort or action.

I have gotten

A more casual way to say "I have obtained", suitable for informal contexts.

I have received

This alternative focuses on the act of being given something, whether it be a physical object or information.

I have gained

This suggests an increase or improvement in something, such as knowledge, experience, or skill.

I have secured

This implies that something was obtained through effort, competition, or overcoming obstacles.

I have procured

This suggests obtaining something with care or effort, often something that is difficult to get.

I have come by

This is a more informal way of saying that something was acquired, often implying a casual or accidental acquisition.

I possess

This denotes ownership or holding of something, differing from the process of obtaining it.

I hold

Similar to "I possess", this emphasizes the current state of having something, rather than the act of getting it.

I have access to

Focuses on the ability to use or benefit from something, rather than outright ownership or possession.

FAQs

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

Use "I have obtained" to indicate that you have acquired or received something, whether it's a physical item, information, or a qualification. For example, "I have obtained the necessary data for my research."

What are some alternatives to "I have obtained"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "I have acquired", "I have received", or "I have gained".

Is "I have obtained" too formal for casual conversation?

In many casual settings, "I have obtained" might sound overly formal. Simpler alternatives like "I got" or "I found" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "I have obtained" and "I acquired"?

While both indicate gaining possession, "I have obtained" can imply a more deliberate or formal process, while "I acquired" is a bit more general. They are often interchangeable, but context can influence the best choice.