it was obtainable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was obtainable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was available or accessible in the past. Example: "During the sale, the rare book was obtainable at a significantly reduced price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He wrote to the effect that he had gotten some potash on the morning after hearing the broadcast and it was the best thing he had ever tried for an acid stomach; that he didn't know what perlmutter was, or if it was obtainable in Guiana; and that he was much obliged to the Natl.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

You must believe that it is obtainable.

Huffington Post

Webster's dictionary defines hope as "to expect or wish... to be optimistic... to cherish a desire of good... with expectation of obtaining it or belief that it is obtainable...to place confidence in, to trust with confident expectation of good".

Huffington Post

However, the yields of lumps were obtained at a particular constant temperature; 580 °C [30] and 500 °C [15], instead of progressive temperature profile of the catalyst and vapour phases as it is obtainable in the industrial FCC riser.

Applied Petrochemical Research

"It's obtainable," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is obtainable from plants of the genus Ephedra, particularly the Chinese species E. sinica, and it has been used in China for more than 5,000 years to treat asthma and hay fever.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A limit (or limited) order is an order to buy or sell a stated amount of a security when it reaches a specified price or a better one if it is obtainable after the order comes to the trading floor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The British record seems a long way off to some people, but to me it's obtainable.

BBC

He said: "It's an incentive that with the right work ethic, I feel I've the talent to develop into that and I know it's obtainable from Matt's example".

BBC

"More happiness, more power or freedom or love if you know that it's obtainable without the hard work, rejection and bullshit?

Wikipedia

It's obtainable within the Rogue's Den.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was obtainable", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details or using a more descriptive phrase if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "it was obtainable" in situations where the accessibility was limited or specific. If something was only obtainable under certain conditions, specify those conditions instead of using a blanket statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was obtainable" functions as a statement of past possibility or availability. It indicates that something could be acquired or achieved in the past. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

25%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was obtainable" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that was accessible or achievable in the past. Ludwig AI confirms that it's primarily found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context makes it clear what "it" refers to and avoid overgeneralizations. Related phrases like "it was accessible" or "it was available" can provide alternative ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was accessible

This alternative emphasizes ease of access.

it was available

This alternative highlights the presence of something for use or purchase.

it was achievable

This alternative focuses on the possibility of accomplishing something.

it was within reach

This alternative suggests that something was close enough to be obtained.

it was feasible

This alternative emphasizes the practicality or possibility of something.

it was procurable

This alternative implies that something could be acquired with effort.

it could be acquired

This alternative highlights the potential to obtain something.

it was at hand

This alternative emphasizes that something was readily available.

it was on offer

This alternative indicates that something was being presented or made available.

it could be realized

This alternative focuses on the potential for something to become a reality.

FAQs

How can I use "it was obtainable" in a sentence?

You can use "it was obtainable" to describe something that was accessible or available in the past. For example, "During the promotional period, the software license "was obtainable" at half price."

What are some alternatives to "it was obtainable"?

Alternatives include "it was accessible", "it was available", or "it was achievable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was obtainable for free"?

Yes, "it was obtainable for free" is grammatically correct and indicates that something could be acquired without payment. The phrase highlights that the item or service was not only accessible but also without cost.

What's the difference between "it was obtainable" and "it is obtainable"?

"It was obtainable" refers to a past state of accessibility or availability. "It is obtainable" refers to a present state. For example, "The rare stamp "it was obtainable" at the auction last year, but now "it is obtainable" only through private collectors."