not yet acquired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not yet acquired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has not been obtained or achieved at the present time but may be in the future. Example: "The skills required for this position are not yet acquired by the candidate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We have not yet acquired it.

The New York Times

Webber has not yet acquired another agent.

The New York Times - Sports

And she had not yet acquired the look of a derelict.

The New Yorker

The firm has not yet acquired the land needed for that expansion.

The New York Times

"We have not yet acquired the wealth of a Florentine bank," he tells Giulia.

The New York Times - Arts

"It has not yet acquired the scope which would go deep under the skin of ordinary Russians.

The New York Times

The new horse centromere seems common to all breeds, and has not yet acquired any repetitive DNA.

The Economist

It's not hard to keep one's past life private with twentysomethings, many of whom have not yet acquired the kind of experience that breeds curiosity.

The New York Times

Darryl Austin, a postal carrier in Houston since 1990, said one of his colleagues had to buy his own protective gloves because management had not yet acquired them.

The New York Times

"When you start aerobic exercise like walking, the muscles have not yet acquired the ability to take on oxygen and the cardiovascular system is challenged," Dr. Fitts said.

The New York Times - Health

In Washington Heights, Quadriad has not yet acquired the development site on the west side of Broadway, which is owned by a funeral home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not yet acquired", ensure the context clearly indicates what is expected to be acquired in the future. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a sense of direction.

Common error

Avoid using "not yet acquired" when describing something that is impossible to acquire or irrelevant to the context. This creates confusion and undermines the clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not yet acquired" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the timing of an action, indicating that something has not happened up to the present moment, but may occur in the future. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not yet acquired" is a versatile and correct adverbial phrase used to denote that something is currently lacking but potentially obtainable in the future. As verified by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically sound and common across various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the intended object or skill is clearly defined. While acceptable in both formal and informal settings, consider alternatives like ""still to obtain"" or ""not currently possessed"" to add nuance. Remember to avoid using it in contexts where acquisition is impossible or irrelevant, as this can confuse your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still to obtain

This alternative uses a more direct and concise phrasing, replacing "acquired" with "obtain".

not currently possessed

This option emphasizes the lack of current ownership or possession.

yet to be attained

This suggests a future goal or achievement, focusing on the process of attainment.

not yet secured

This alternative highlights the aspect of securing or ensuring possession.

not yet gained

This focuses on the act of gaining something, implying effort or progress.

remaining to be acquired

This option emphasizes that acquisition is still pending or incomplete.

outstanding for acquisition

This suggests that the item or skill is notable and should be acquired in the future.

not in hand yet

This is a more informal way of saying something is not yet obtained, focusing on physical possession.

still lacking

This alternative emphasizes the absence or deficiency of something.

not yet come into possession

This formal phrasing highlights the transition to ownership.

FAQs

How can I use "not yet acquired" in a sentence?

You can use "not yet acquired" to indicate that someone or something has not yet gained possession of, or developed, a particular skill, trait, or object. For example, "The company has "not yet acquired" the necessary permits."

What are some alternatives to "not yet acquired"?

Some alternatives include "still to obtain", "not currently possessed", or "yet to be attained", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "not acquired yet" instead of "not yet acquired"?

While "not acquired yet" is understandable, ""not yet acquired"" is more grammatically standard and often preferred in formal writing. The placement of "yet" emphasizes the expectation of future acquisition.

What's the difference between "not yet acquired" and "never acquired"?

"Not yet acquired" implies that there is an expectation or possibility of acquiring something in the future. "Never acquired" indicates that something has not been acquired and is not expected to be in the future. They denote different temporal states and expectations.