mere acquisition of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere acquisition of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is only a simple or minimal act of obtaining or gaining possession of something. Example: "The mere acquisition of wealth does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Dalhousie's energy extended beyond the mere acquisition of territories.

Britannica

New programs typically emphasize the thinking process and not the mere acquisition of knowledge.

The New York Times

However, medical studies can not be reduced to the mere acquisition of scientific knowledge and technical skills.

Éthique & Santé

As a result, the mere acquisition of the right to vote 20% of the shares does not trigger the Rights.

Harvard University

The SEC still contends that the mere acquisition of the right to vote 20% of the shares through a proxy solicitation triggers the rights.

Harvard University

The mere acquisition of a smooth block of metal and glass does not magically persuade people that they should start paying for news.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

DH Lawrence, a radical rightist, denounced "the base forcing of all human energy into a competition of mere acquisition".

The Guardian - Opinion

DH Lawrence recoiled fruitfully from "the base forcing of all human energy into a competition of mere acquisition".

The Guardian - Books

Third, every social brand must design its messaging to drive fan action (in this case, sharing), rather than mere acquisition.

Huffington Post

If Twitter was a slow-growing, struggling company or mere-acquisition bait, none of this would be an issue.

TechCrunch

Even now, mere mention of Quaker Oats' acquisition of Snapple causes veteran deal makers to shudder.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere acquisition of" to underscore that obtaining something alone is insufficient without further action, understanding, or transformation. For example, "The mere acquisition of data is useless without proper analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "mere acquisition of" when the act of acquisition itself is substantial or commendable. Using it in such contexts can diminish the importance of a valuable achievement. Be accurate and fair with your word choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere acquisition of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to express that the noun's significance is limited to the simple act of obtaining something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often to emphasize a lack of further action or inherent value beyond the act of acquisition itself.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

28%

Science

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mere acquisition of" serves to diminish the significance of simply obtaining something, implying that additional factors are needed for true value. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable. Its application is prevalent in academic, scientific, and journalistic writing, highlighting contexts where a deeper understanding, transformation, or action is required beyond the initial acquisition. When writing, use the phrase to emphasize the inadequacy of simply obtaining something, and avoid using it when the act of acquisition is itself substantial or commendable. In doing so, you can avoid overstating the significance. Alternatives include ""simple gaining of"", ""just obtaining of"", and ""bare attainment of"". The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Academic and Science sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple gaining of

Focuses on the act of gaining in a basic way, similar to acquisition, but emphasizes the lack of complexity.

just obtaining of

Highlights the act of obtaining something and emphasizes that is nothing more than just obtaining it.

bare attainment of

Emphasizes the minimal effort or result in achieving something.

basic procurement of

Focuses on the fundamental act of acquiring or procuring something, suggesting a lack of additional steps or value.

sheer accumulation of

Highlights the gathering of items or knowledge, but implies a lack of purpose or understanding.

plain reception of

Emphasizes the passive acceptance of something, suggesting a lack of active engagement or effort in the acquisition.

elementary amassing of

Highlights the simple process of gathering items or resources.

nominal gaining of

Emphasizes that the gain is in name only, or insignificant.

surface-level acquisition of

Highlights the lack of depth or understanding in the acquisition.

superficial obtaining of

Emphasizes the lack of thoroughness or genuine understanding in acquiring something.

FAQs

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

Use "mere acquisition of" to emphasize that simply obtaining something is not enough. For example, "The mere acquisition of a degree does not guarantee success."

What can I say instead of "mere acquisition of"?

You can use alternatives like "simple gaining of", "just obtaining of", or "bare attainment of" depending on the context.

What is the implication of using "mere acquisition of"?

Using "mere acquisition of" implies that the act of obtaining something is insufficient or incomplete without further action, understanding, or qualification. It suggests that something more is needed beyond the simple act of getting it.

Is "mere possession of" a similar concept to "mere acquisition of"?

Yes, "mere possession of" is a similar concept. While "mere acquisition of" focuses on the act of obtaining, "mere possession of" emphasizes the state of having something without necessarily implying any further action or benefit arising from it. Both phrases downplay the value of the object/thing.