likes to acquire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likes to acquire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's preference or tendency to obtain or gain something, whether it's knowledge, skills, or physical items. Example: "She likes to acquire new languages to enhance her communication skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"He likes to acquire".

The New York Times

Sometimes you wonder if Bill Belichick actually likes to acquire players, or whether he prefers to accumulate picks.

The New York Times

Jim Duquette, the Mets' general manager, says he likes to acquire players who can "handle New York".

The New York Times - Sports

But the question remains: what's next for Orangina, and for Pernod Ricard, a company that likes to acquire other brands and could have used some extra cash?

The New York Times

Although he calls himself the "Napster of video," in that he likes to acquire more than distribute, he sides with record labels, not fully trusting the motives of song-sharing sites like Napster.

The New York Times

Chihuly likes to acquire collections as collections.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Chernenko said his son's decision to split the collection into themed lots was because the whole collection was likely to be too expensive for the many enthusiasts who would like to acquire some of the photographs.

The Guardian - Film

Banca Intesa of Italy has said it would like to acquire the smaller Garanti.

The New York Times

Allianz would also like to acquire Deutsche Bank's huge mutual fund business, known as DWS.

The New York Times

Ash said he would like to acquire major league talent, which is also Phillips's goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Senior Chinese officials have said China would like to acquire an aircraft carrier to better defend its territory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likes to acquire", ensure the context clearly defines what is being acquired, whether it's tangible items, skills, or knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "likes to acquire" with abstract nouns that cannot be directly obtained. For example, instead of "likes to acquire happiness", consider "seeks happiness" or "enjoys activities that bring happiness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likes to acquire" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a preference or inclination. Ludwig AI examples show it used to describe a person or entity's tendency to obtain items, skills, or properties.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likes to acquire" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey a preference or inclination for obtaining something. Ludwig AI indicates its use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While it maintains a neutral register, alternatives such as "enjoys acquiring" or "is keen on acquiring" can subtly shift the tone. Keep in mind the clarity and intentionality behind what is being acquired to ensure its appropriate use. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is more commonly used in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enjoys acquiring

Replaces "likes" with "enjoys", emphasizing the pleasure derived from acquiring.

has a preference for acquiring

Directly states a preference for the act of acquiring.

has a fondness for acquiring

Indicates a strong affection for the act of acquiring.

takes pleasure in acquiring

Emphasizes the enjoyment derived from the acquisition process.

is keen on acquiring

Suggests enthusiasm for acquiring.

is inclined to acquire

Indicates a natural tendency to acquire.

is partial to acquiring

Suggests a bias or leaning towards acquiring.

favors acquisition

Shifts the focus to the process of acquisition itself.

revels in acquisition

Highlights the delight and satisfaction gained from acquiring.

is disposed to acquire

Implies a predisposition or willingness to acquire.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "likes to acquire"?

You can use alternatives like "enjoys acquiring", "is keen on acquiring", or "has a fondness for acquiring" depending on the context.

Is "likes to acquire" formal or informal?

The phrase "likes to acquire" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "is disposed to acquire" might be preferred in certain settings.

How to use "likes to acquire" in a sentence?

You can use "likes to acquire" to describe someone's preference for obtaining something. For example, "He likes to acquire rare books" or "She likes to acquire new skills".

What's the difference between "likes to acquire" and "wants to acquire"?

"Likes to acquire" suggests a general preference or enjoyment in obtaining something, while "wants to acquire" implies a specific desire or need to obtain something at a particular time.