obtain a gift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain a gift" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of acquiring or receiving a gift, either for oneself or for someone else. Example: "I hope to obtain a gift for my friend's birthday that she will truly appreciate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

'Manners for Mother's Day' (Saturday) The organization socialsklz will allow young people to obtain a gift that any mother would appreciate: excellent manners from her children.

The New York Times - Arts

After the terms have been satisfied, the customer will receive an email from Google Fi (around 75 – 90 days after device activation) with instructions on how to obtain a gift card from Tango subject to Tango's terms and conditions.

TechCrunch

Tali is first introduced on her Pilgrimage, a quarian rite where young adults leave to obtain a gift for a captain so as to be allowed to join their crew.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Palmer found that customers often wanted to purchase gift cards at heavy discounts, so he pursued and obtained a gift card reseller license for over 200 marketplaces.

Columbia University

If your employer matches donations, obtain a matching gift application from your human resources department, fill it out, and e-mail to [email protected]

Huffington Post

And so, after he quickly obtained a $1 million gift to renovate the house, Dr. Filreis set out to populate it.

The New York Times

It also obtained a $2,500 gift to keep its twice-yearly magazine, The Compass, alive".We're still going strong," she said.

The New York Times

Does this mean investors obtained an unearned "gift" from policy-makers at the "expense" of labor?

Forbes

These ranged from the radical sheet-metal Guitar of 1912, which he obtained as a gift of Pablo Picasso, to other icons of the collection, including Joan Miro's The Birth of the World, Henri Matisse's Memory of Oceania, Jackson Pollock's One: Number 31, 1950, and Barnett Newman's Vir Heroicus Sublimus.

The New York Times

Exe was obtained as a gift sample from Sun Pharma Advanced Research Centre, Vadodara, India.

Cancer Nanotechnology

The drug (rifampicin) was obtained as a gift sample from Park Pharmaceuticals, Panchkula.

Progress in Biomaterials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, use "obtain a gift" to emphasize a deliberate or formal acquisition. In casual contexts, consider using "get a gift" for a more natural tone.

Common error

Avoid using "obtain a gift" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "get a gift" or "find a gift" for a more relaxed and natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain a gift" functions as a verb phrase + noun, where "obtain" is the verb indicating the action of acquiring something, and "gift" is the noun representing the object being acquired. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obtain a gift" is grammatically sound and usable English for describing the act of acquiring something given willingly. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, its frequency is uncommon, tending to be used in neutral to slightly formal contexts, such as news, science, or encyclopedic writing. When aiming for a more casual tone, consider alternatives like "get a gift" or "receive a gift". The choice between "obtain" and its synonyms should be guided by the desired level of formality and the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get a present

Uses a more common and informal verb, "get", instead of "obtain".

receive a gift

Emphasizes the act of being given something, using the verb "receive".

acquire a present

Uses "acquire", focusing on the act of gaining possession of the gift.

secure a gift

Suggests effort or planning was involved in getting the gift.

find a gift

Implies discovering something suitable to give as a gift.

procure a gift

A more formal alternative that emphasizes the effort put into obtaining something, typically through special means.

arrange for a gift

Focuses on the preparation and organization needed to provide the gift.

solicit a gift

Implies requesting or asking for a gift, often in a fundraising context.

be presented with a gift

Highlights the passive act of receiving a gift, often in a formal setting.

earn a gift

Suggests the gift was received as a reward for effort or achievement.

FAQs

What does "obtain a gift" mean?

The phrase "obtain a gift" means to get or receive something that is given willingly to someone without payment.

What can I say instead of "obtain a gift"?

You can use alternatives like "get a gift", "receive a gift", or "acquire a gift" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "obtain a gift"?

Use "obtain a gift" in formal or professional contexts where you want to emphasize a deliberate or official process of acquiring a gift. It may also be suitable when the gift is particularly valuable or significant.

Is "obtain a gift" more formal than "get a gift"?

Yes, "obtain a gift" is generally considered more formal than "get a gift". "Obtain" implies a more deliberate or official process of acquiring something, while "get" is more casual and general.