i obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I obtained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to acquiring or receiving something, whether it be information, an object, or a qualification. Example: "After months of hard work, I obtained my degree in computer science."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I obtained the money.

The New York Times

I obtained my Ph.D. from Princeton University.

Stanford University

I obtained an M.B.A., moved to the States and married.

The New York Times

I obtained both undergraduate and graduate degrees in French.

The New York Times

When I obtained the compound, it was already patented.

The New York Times - Science

And, there, I obtained Fred Trump's birth certificate.

The Washington Post

I obtained a Ph.D. in mathematics from Caltech in 2017.

Harvard University

In 1984 I obtained by advanced class operators license.

Cornell University

I obtained 5 out of 200 in O level French – an all time record.

The Guardian

The next day, I obtained a tape of one of his angiograms from a hospital nearby.

The New York Times - Health

Over time, I obtained a more complete spreadsheet of tubal ligation procedures and costs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I obtained" to clearly and directly state that you acquired something, whether it's an object, information, or a qualification. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "obtained" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very casual conversation. Alternatives like "got" or "found" may be more appropriate for a less formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I obtained" functions as a declarative statement expressing the act of acquiring or receiving something. Ludwig indicates this is correct and usable in various contexts. Examples show its use in relation to degrees, documents, and physical items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

33%

Science

31%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I obtained" is a versatile and commonly used expression for stating that one has acquired something. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, from formal academic and professional settings to news reports. The frequency analysis shows it's used across various sources, with primary contexts being academia, news, and science. While it's appropriate for many situations, consider using more informal alternatives like "I got" in casual conversations. Related phrases like "I acquired" or "I received" can offer slightly different nuances, depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I acquired

Indicates gaining possession of something, often through effort or purchase. Slight difference in formality.

I received

Implies being given something, without necessarily implying effort on the receiver's part.

I secured

Suggests obtaining something through effort, competition, or overcoming obstacles.

I attained

Denotes achieving something, often a goal or status, through hard work or perseverance.

I gained

Emphasizes the process of acquiring something, often knowledge or experience, incrementally.

I procured

Suggests obtaining something, often with some difficulty or by special means; more formal.

I earned

Highlights that something was acquired through effort and merit.

I collected

Implies gathering multiple items or pieces of information.

I came by

Informal way to indicate how something was obtained, typically implying a chance encounter.

I laid hold of

A more emphatic or archaic way of saying that one obtained something.

FAQs

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

You can use "I obtained" to describe acquiring something tangible (like "I obtained a book") or intangible (like "I obtained new skills"). The phrase works well in various contexts.

What can I say instead of "I obtained"?

You can use alternatives like "I acquired", "I received", or "I secured" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I obtained" or "I got"?

"I obtained" is generally more formal than "I got". Use "I obtained" in professional or academic writing, and "I got" in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "I obtained" and "I earned"?

"I obtained" simply means you acquired something, while "I earned" emphasizes that you acquired it through effort or merit. Thus, the latter highlights the work involved.