it has acquired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has acquired" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has gained possession or control over something else, often in a business or formal context. Example: "Over the past year, the company has expanded its portfolio significantly, as it has acquired several smaller firms to enhance its market presence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Christmas is so important to retailers that it has acquired its own lexicon.

The Guardian - Business

"It had its own sacred quality and it has acquired new sacred qualities".

The New York Times

Its margins are higher, and it has acquired Jaguar, Volvo and now is adding Land Rover...

The New York Times

This week the museum announced that it has acquired "Black Block," its first work by Mr. Anatsui.

The New York Times - Arts

Beyond that, it has acquired Unocal, which adds 15% to its reserves.

Forbes

LACMA said it has acquired the piece, a gift from RH, for its permanent collection.

Los Angeles Times

It has acquired familiarity and bitterness.

The New Yorker

It has acquired four more properties since.

The New York Times

And yet, it has acquired cult status.

The New York Times

Since then, it has acquired Merrill Lynch.

The New York Times

In recent months it has acquired a political voice.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has acquired" to indicate a formal or official obtaining of something, such as a company acquiring another, or an organization acquiring new skills or resources. It often implies a deliberate action.

Common error

Avoid using "it has acquired" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it got" or "it gained" to maintain a natural tone. Overly formal language can sound stilted in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has acquired" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the completion of an action in the past with present relevance. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its primary function is to express that something has gained possession or control over something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has acquired" is a versatile verbal phrase widely used to denote the act of gaining possession or control, often in formal or business settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As the analysis shows, its usage is especially prevalent in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "it has obtained" or "it has gained" for nuanced meanings. While "it has acquired" is generally appropriate for neutral to professional registers, simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal contexts. Be aware of the tense and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning when comparing to similar phrases such as "it acquired."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has obtained

Emphasizes the act of getting or gaining something, often through effort or request. It's a direct synonym, differing slightly in formality.

it has gained

Suggests a gradual increase or accumulation of something over time, such as experience or knowledge. It focuses on the process of accumulation.

it has come to possess

Highlights the state of ownership or control. It's a more formal and emphatic way of saying "it has acquired".

it now holds

Focuses on the present state of having something, often implying a position of responsibility or control.

it is now in possession of

Similar to "it has come to possess", but emphasizes the physical or legal control of something.

it has secured

Implies effort and competition in obtaining something, often with a sense of achievement.

it now boasts

Suggests pride and confidence in having something, often highlighting its positive qualities or benefits.

it has assumed

Implies taking on something, such as a role, responsibility, or power. It suggests a more active and deliberate acquisition.

it has inherited

Indicates receiving something, such as property or a characteristic, from a predecessor or ancestor.

it has been endowed with

Suggests receiving something as a gift or blessing, often with inherent qualities or potential.

FAQs

How can I use "it has acquired" in a sentence?

You can use "it has acquired" to indicate that something has gained possession or control over something else, often in a business or formal context. For example, "The company "it has acquired" several smaller firms to enhance its market presence."

What are some alternatives to "it has acquired"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it has obtained", "it has gained", or "it has come to possess", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it has acquired" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it has acquired" is more suited for formal or business writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "it got" or "it gained" are often more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it has acquired" and "it acquired"?

"It has acquired" is in the present perfect tense, suggesting a past action with present relevance. "It acquired" is in the simple past tense, indicating a completed action in the past without necessarily implying present relevance. The present perfect is used if the action's impact continues to the present.