obtain a spot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain a spot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to securing a place or position in a particular context, such as an event, competition, or reservation. Example: "I was lucky enough to obtain a spot in the sold-out concert."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Liba opened last summer, with permits to operate on private property, after its chef and owner, Gail Lillian, gave up a months-long quest to obtain a spot on a city street.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The common wisdom was that women were not as likely to take pay-offs, a discordant note in a country where people routinely use bribes for everything, from getting a home phone line installed to obtaining a spot on the quota-limited list of pilgrims to Mecca.

Los Angeles Times

In a stationary experiment one obtains a spot-like peak-shaped deposition while a moving capillary can 'write' the deposition.

Surface and Coatings Technology

By employing the abrupt phase shift in plasmonic nano-antenas, here we present an ultra-thin planar metalens for the azimuthally (or radially) polarized light illumination to obtain a focal spot (or doughnut-shaped focus).

Optics Communications

The key issue in the design has been to obtain a wide beam spot size with maximized beam current utilizing a thin Si3N4 exit window.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

The goal was to obtain a beam with a spot size on target of 10 20 μm and a current in the order of at least 1 nA, in order to allow PIXE, PIGE and RBS elemental analysis in air or in a helium atmosphere.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

The front office could obtain a needed international roster spot and spring for a bona fide central attacking midfielder before the transfer window closes. Et cetera.

The Guardian - Sport

We obtained a single spot serum and urine specimen.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

Carrying out two separate analyses according to spot class, we obtain a higher discriminatory power for spots recognizing T genes, when using a T control.

BMC Genomics

Vacuum ballistic focusing is the straightforward method to obtain a heavy-ion beam spot size necessary to drive an inertial confinement fusion target.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

The optical fiber was connected to a frontal light distributor (Medlight SA) to obtain a uniform circular illumination spot.

Biomedical Optics Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "obtain a spot", ensure the context clearly indicates what the spot refers to, whether it's a physical location, a position, or an opportunity.

Common error

Avoid using "obtain a spot" in very informal or casual conversations. Consider more natural alternatives like "get a place" or "find a spot" for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain a spot" functions as a verb phrase where "obtain" acts as the main verb, indicating the action of acquiring or securing something, and "a spot" serves as the object, representing the thing being acquired. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtain a spot" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express the act of acquiring or securing a place, position, or opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts. While the phrase leans slightly towards the formal side, it's versatile enough for news, scientific, and business communications. Consider alternatives like "secure a position" or "get a place" for more informal settings. Remember to clearly specify what the "spot" refers to in your writing for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Secure a position

Uses 'secure' instead of 'obtain', implying a more active effort to gain the position.

Get a place

Simplifies the wording, using 'get' instead of 'obtain' and 'place' instead of 'spot'.

Reserve a spot

Focuses on the act of reserving in advance, suitable for events or limited-capacity situations.

Gain access

Highlights the act of gaining entry or access to something, rather than just a physical spot.

Acquire a location

Uses a more formal word 'acquire' for 'obtain' and 'location' instead of 'spot'.

Earn a place

Emphasizes that the spot is earned through effort or merit.

Book a space

Implies a formal reservation or booking, typically for physical locations.

Find a position

Focuses on the act of discovering or locating a suitable position.

Seize an opportunity

Highlights the proactive grabbing of an opportunity, rather than a passive obtaining of a spot.

Procure a position

Replaces 'obtain' with the more formal 'procure', suitable for official or business contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "obtain a spot" in a sentence?

You can use "obtain a spot" to describe securing a place or position. For instance, "She worked hard to obtain a spot on the team."

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

You can use alternatives like "secure a position", "get a place", or "reserve a spot" depending on the context.

Is "obtain a spot" formal or informal?

"Obtain a spot" leans towards the formal side. In casual settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "get a spot".

What's the difference between "obtain a spot" and "find a spot"?

"Obtain a spot" suggests a more deliberate effort to acquire something, whereas "find a spot" implies discovering a place or position that already exists.