means of acquisition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "means of acquisition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the methods or processes through which something is obtained or acquired. Example: "The company explored various means of acquisition to expand its market presence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Meanwhile, it's my understanding that Seville-based Ad4kids had been looking for investors or an exit, and so SuperAwesome saw an opportunity by means of acquisition to expand its reach further across Europe.

TechCrunch

It's also the continuation of a strategy to expand by means of acquisition, after the startup raised a $4 million Series B round of funding, led by newly-established Spanish VC Seaya Ventures.

TechCrunch

"[And] yes, though such tools are equally available to criminals as well, I cannot foresee criminals turning to 3-D printing as an avenue to obtain illicit arms when the black market continues to serve as a far simpler means of acquisition -- and does not require any level of technical acumen".

Huffington Post

"Yes, though such tools are equally available to criminals as well, I cannot foresee criminals turning to 3-D printing as an avenue to obtain illicit arms when the black market continues to serve as a far simpler means of acquisition -- and does not require any level of technical acumen," he told HuffPost.

Huffington Post

These differences in baseline performance across the modalities are an inevitable consequence of the fundamental differences between normal processing by vision and haptics, such as the rate and means of acquisition of shape information.

Plosone

Place and means of acquisition (paid out-of-pocket/free of charge) are more often mentioned.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

For instance, "occupancy" is a means of original acquisition when the thing possessed belonged to no one formerly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The steep rise in property values in some of the neighborhoods where nonprofits operate motivate them to look to new means of property acquisition.

The New York Times

"Increasingly, online merchants are turning toward the corporation as a means of customer acquisition," said Mike May, a senior analyst at Jupiter Research, an Internet research company in New York.

The New York Times

Both methods were highly effective, and sound ranging remained a major means of target acquisition for the rest of the century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The exhibition has sharpened focus on the very existence of the museum's collection of some 6,000 Australian Indigenous items (only 1% of which is ever usually displayed) and the sometimes violent means of their acquisition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "means of acquisition", clearly specify what is being acquired and the context in which the acquisition is taking place to avoid ambiguity. For instance, clarify whether you are discussing the means of acquiring knowledge, property, or customers.

Common error

Avoid using unnecessarily complex language around "means of acquisition". Instead of saying "the utilization of diverse methodologies as the primary means of acquisition", opt for a simpler, more direct phrasing such as "using various methods to acquire".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "means of acquisition" functions as a noun phrase. It specifies the methods or processes used to obtain something. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts ranging from business expansion to scientific research, referring to strategies, methods, and systems.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

7%

Unknown

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "means of acquisition" is a noun phrase used to describe the methods or processes by which something is obtained. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears commonly in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a formal and often technical usage. While various alternative phrases exist, such as "method of obtaining", it's crucial to maintain clarity and avoid overly complex phrasing. The phrase is suitable for professional and academic settings, highlighting its versatility and broad applicability across diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

method of obtaining

This alternative focuses on the procedural aspect of getting something.

way of acquiring

This alternative is a more general and direct substitute.

process of procurement

Procurement implies a formal or official method of obtaining something, often through purchase.

avenue for gaining

This phrase suggests a path or opportunity to achieve acquisition.

strategy for securing

This suggests a planned series of actions to ensure acquisition.

route to obtaining

This implies a specific course or direction taken to acquire something.

approach to attaining

This emphasizes the method or manner used to reach acquisition.

mechanism for achieving

This highlights the operational aspect and the system used to accomplish acquisition.

pathway to possession

This focuses on the steps or stages leading to ownership.

channel for securing

This highlights the medium or system by which something is obtained.

FAQs

What does "means of acquisition" refer to?

The phrase "means of acquisition" refers to the methods, processes, or strategies used to obtain something, whether it be knowledge, property, or a skill.

How can I use "means of acquisition" in a sentence?

You can use "means of acquisition" in a sentence like this: "The company explored various "methods of obtaining" new customers."

What are some alternatives to "means of acquisition"?

Some alternatives to "means of acquisition" include "way of acquiring", "process of procurement", or "avenue for gaining" depending on the specific context.

Is "means of acquisition" formal or informal language?

"Means of acquisition" is generally considered formal language, suitable for professional, academic, or technical contexts. For informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "way of getting" may be more appropriate.