looking to obtain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking to obtain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to acquire something. Example: "I am looking to obtain a scholarship for my studies next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"We are looking to obtain the truth," Fritz Petit, a defense lawyer, said in an interview.

The New York Times

Please contact your Undergraduate Student Life adviser if you are looking to obtain a parade permit.

Columbia University

However, this is generally what we are looking to obtain from the observation!

Harvard University

This poses a challenge to designers who are looking to obtain quality 3D printed parts at best available prices within fastest turnaround times.

Journal of Manufacturing Systems

These résumés come from all parts of the country, he said, from college students to vastly experienced people looking to obtain entry-level professional positions.

The New York Times

He said Ashya was being treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the UK but his parents were looking to obtain the proton beam treatment in Prague.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Foreign hunters come to Costa Rica in search of exotic felines while others look to obtain rare and colorful parrots as pets.

Huffington Post

Buyers range from criminals to governments looking to spy or obtain data they otherwise wouldn't be able to reach.

BBC

However, sites like Instagram make the "entrepreneur life" look easy to obtain, glamorous and full of more rewards than obstacles.

Forbes

If last week it looked difficult to obtain permission for a new pipeline, will it ever be possible after yesterday's tragedy?

Forbes

The backward condition of shipyards in the seceding states convinced Mallory that he would have to look abroad to obtain the vessels that he thought would be able to challenge the U.S. Navy.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking to obtain", ensure that the object you are trying to obtain is clearly defined and relevant to the context. For example, "looking to obtain funding" should specify the type of funding and its purpose.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "looking to obtain" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using more natural alternatives like "trying to get" or "wanting to find" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking to obtain" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase to express intention or purpose. This is evident from Ludwig, where it's often followed by a noun or noun phrase specifying what is being sought.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looking to obtain" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express the intention of acquiring something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting a formal register. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the context and choose more casual alternatives like "trying to get" when appropriate. Remember to clearly specify the object being sought to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking to acquire

Replaces "looking" with "seeking" and "obtain" with "acquire", offering a more formal tone.

hoping to secure

Substitutes "looking" with "hoping" and "obtain" with "secure", suggesting a desire to ensure acquisition.

aiming to get

Uses "aiming" instead of "looking" and "get" instead of "obtain", resulting in a more casual expression.

intending to procure

Replaces "looking" with "intending" and "obtain" with "procure", implying a planned effort to acquire something.

wishing to achieve

Uses "wishing" instead of "looking" and "achieve" instead of "obtain", focusing on the desired outcome.

planning to gain

Uses "planning" instead of "looking" and "gain" instead of "obtain", focusing on the planned action of acquiring.

desiring to receive

Substitutes "looking" with "desiring" and "obtain" with "receive", conveying a strong wish to acquire something.

trying to get hold of

Replaces "looking to obtain" with a more colloquial expression, emphasizing the effort to acquire something.

pursuing the acquisition of

Replaces "looking to obtain" with a more formal and elaborate expression, emphasizing the active pursuit.

seeking to gain possession of

Replaces "looking to obtain" with a more detailed description of the intention, emphasizing gaining control.

FAQs

What does "looking to obtain" mean?

The phrase "looking to obtain" means seeking to acquire or achieve something. It expresses an intention or desire to get or gain possession of something.

How can I use "looking to obtain" in a sentence?

You can use "looking to obtain" to express your desire or intention to acquire something. For example: "I am looking to obtain a scholarship", or "The company is looking to obtain new clients."

What can I say instead of "looking to obtain"?

You can use alternatives like "seeking to acquire", "aiming to get", or "hoping to secure", depending on the context.

Is "looking to obtain" formal or informal?

"Looking to obtain" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "trying to get" or "wanting to find". Consider the context when choosing your words.