obtain access

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain access" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person obtaining access to something they previously had limited or no access to, such as a building, website, document, etc. For example: "The visitor was required to obtain access to the building before entering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can obtain access to good health care, but it cannot cure irreversible illnesses.

The New York Times

Even the affluent are finding it more difficult to obtain access to care.

The New York Times

Teachers, pupils and parents have a password log-in to obtain access to the appropriate areas.

The Guardian

People using Microsoft have until Dec. 9 to obtain access to their e-books.

The New York Times

"The players wanted to have a secure place to obtain access to financial advice," she said.

The New York Times

I found myself unable to obtain access to my business accounts.

The New York Times

To view the full report and obtain access to resources for teenagers and parents, click here.

The New York Times

And money cannot be used to obtain access to new coal reserves.

The New York Times

The partnership will allow users of the software to obtain access to some of their systems remotely, SAP said yesterday.

The New York Times

Participants were more motivated to obtain access to sweet beverages, especially when these were better liked than to obtain access to non-sweet beverages.

Physiology & Behavior

The state department said it had asked the Swiss embassy in Tehran to obtain access to Hekmati.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the level of formality required. "Obtain access" works well in professional and academic contexts. For informal settings, consider using "get access".

Common error

Avoid using "obtain access" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound unnecessarily stiff. In those contexts, consider using "get access" or a more conversational equivalent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain access" functions as a verb phrase, where "obtain" is the main verb and "access" is the direct object. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates the action of acquiring entry, permission, or the means to use something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obtain access" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that signifies the act of gaining entry or permission to something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various domains. It is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "get access" and is most prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. When using "obtain access", consider your audience and the desired level of formality to ensure your writing is appropriate and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attain access

Slightly more formal synonym for "obtain access".

access

A more concise and direct synonym.

achieve access

Emphasizes the effort required to gain access.

gain entry

Focuses on the physical act of entering a place.

acquire permission

Emphasizes the process of receiving authorization.

gain admittance

Focuses on being allowed to enter or join.

secure admittance

More formal, highlights a guaranteed entry.

get hold of

Informal, indicates acquiring something tangible or intangible.

procure entry

Formal, implies effort in gaining access.

come by

Informal way to express acquiring something, often implying it wasn't easy.

FAQs

What is a synonym for "obtain access"?

A synonym for "obtain access" is "gain access". They are often interchangeable, although "obtain" is slightly more formal.

Is it better to say "obtain access" or "get access"?

Both phrases are correct, but "obtain access" is more formal than "get access". The best choice depends on the context of your writing.

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

You can use "obtain access" to describe gaining entry, permission, or the means to use something. For example, "Students must obtain access to the library with a valid ID".

What's the difference between "obtain access" and "secure access"?

"Obtain access" simply means to get access, while "secure access" implies that you are also protecting that access from being compromised or used by unauthorized individuals.