obtain

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "obtain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to getting something, either through an effort or through being given or offered it. For example: "He was able to obtain his dream job through hard work and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Annington has commenced court proceedings to obtain a possession order so that it can evict the squatters and take back possession of the property.

The Guardian

The two supreme court justices thought likely to cast the deciding votes, Anthony Kennedy and the chief justice, John Roberts, appeared deeply sceptical of the government's contention that healthcare regulation is a special case that gives Congress the power to oblige individuals to obtain insurance.

The Guardian

Though definitive statistics are almost impossible to obtain, according to a pioneering field study, the 2010 National Abortion Survey, one in five Brazilian women have had at least one abortion by the age of 40 (in Britain the figure is one in three).

The Guardian

The prime minister and nominal head of the AK party, Ahmet Davutoglu, had promised to resign if he failed to obtain a simple parliamentary majority.

The Guardian

People may well make all sorts of extravagant claims when they are trying to obtain funds for organisations, but the evidential trail would have to prove they had enough influence with those at the other end of the scale to actually deliver what they promised".

The Guardian

Nick Hopkinson of Property Portfolio Rescue, which buys houses from distressed buy-to-let borrowers, describes the Nationwide's reported increase as a "statistical blip" which would "not fool anybody who is struggling to sell their home or obtain realistic mortgage finance in the real world".

The Guardian - Business

At an Old Bailey hearing scheduled for this Friday, the Met had been due to apply for a production order to obtain all the material that the Guardian holds that would disclose sources for the newspaper's coverage of the phone-hacking inquiry this year.

The Guardian

Where required by law, will we obtain your consent to make these changes.

The Guardian

In fact, the report was about applications to obtain communications data, ie who, when, where and how communications were sent and received, not to intercept communications, which would reveal what was said or written.

The Guardian

United signed Rojo from Sporting Lisbon on 19 August but he had to miss the games against Sunderland, MK Dons and Burnley as he was unable to obtain a work permit.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: FBI used Patriot Act to obtain 'large collections' of Americans' data, DoJ finds Earlier, a group of half a dozen senators from both parties met with national security council officials in the White House situation room to hear a briefing on the practical impact of the competing legislation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obtain" when you want to convey a formal or deliberate process of acquiring something. It is especially suitable in legal, academic, and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "obtain" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler words like "get" or "receive" would be more appropriate. Using "obtain" too often can make your language sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "obtain" is as a transitive verb, indicating the action of acquiring or getting possession of something. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "obtain" functions as a transitive verb signifying the act of acquiring something, usually through a deliberate process. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals that "obtain" is most frequently used in news, business, and science contexts. This suggests a formal or neutral register, making it suitable for professional and academic writing. While grammatically correct and widely used, it should be used judiciously in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "get" may be more appropriate. Related terms include "acquire", "procure", and "secure", each carrying subtle differences in connotation. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively choose the most precise word to convey their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acquire

This term suggests a more deliberate or formal process of getting something.

Procure

Implies effort or special means used to get something, often something not readily available.

Secure

Focuses on the effort to ensure possession or control of something.

Gain

Suggests obtaining something, often as a result of effort or competition.

Attain

Implies reaching a certain level or achievement to get something.

Receive

Focuses on the act of being given something.

Get

A more general and informal term for obtaining something.

Come by

Implies obtaining something, often in a casual or unplanned manner.

Take possession of

Emphasizes the act of assuming control or ownership.

Fall heir to

Implies obtaining something through inheritance or succession.

FAQs

How do you use "obtain" in a sentence?

You can use "obtain" to describe the act of getting something, usually through effort or a specific process. For example, "She had to "obtain a visa" to travel abroad" or "He worked hard to "obtain his degree"".

What can I say instead of "obtain"?

You can use alternatives like "acquire", "secure", "procure", or "get" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Which is correct, "obtain" or "gotten"?

"Obtain" is a more formal term, while "gotten" is the past participle of "get" and is more informal. The choice depends on the context; use "obtain" in formal writing and "gotten" in casual speech or writing.

What is the difference between "obtain" and "achieve"?

"Obtain" generally refers to acquiring something tangible or intangible, while "achieve" implies accomplishing something through effort or skill. You obtain resources or permission, but you "achieve" goals or success.