obtain capital

USAGE SUMMARY

"obtain capital" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to acquire or secure funds or financial resources for a business or project. Example: The entrepreneur needed to obtain capital in order to launch her new startup. She applied for a business loan and successfully obtained the necessary funds.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

That, too, could make it harder for Sprint to obtain capital if it is needed in the future.

The New York Times - Tech

Nor is it that their managers are hasty and over-confident in making decisions or cannot obtain capital on reasonable terms.

Harvard Business Review

Besides having the ability to obtain capital cheaply, Bank of America and JPMorgan are also benefiting from the after-effects of the financial crisis.

The New York Times

Old Mutual believes that, jointly, they could expand services, diversify their exposure to various markets and maybe obtain capital more cheaply.

The Economist

And the growth-oriented — whom many economists and policy makers now believe are crucial to creating new jobs — find it much harder to obtain capital.

The New York Times

After leaving the Moore School, Eckert and Mauchly struggled to obtain capital to build their latest design, a computer they called the Universal Automatic Computer, or UNIVAC.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Simply obtaining capital appears enough.

The New York Times

That makes sense, given the power of global brands and the difficulty of obtaining capital.

The New York Times

Immigrants and low-income communities face structural disadvantages in obtaining capital, condemning them to cycles of generational poverty.

Harvard University

"We're taught as children that obtaining capital and being a wealthy businessman is essential," said Vanessa, who is finishing her sophomore year at a Manhattan public school.

The New York Times

From a company's standpoint, staying private and obtaining capital through the private markets may be simpler and more desirable than going public.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing business plans or financial reports, use "obtain capital" to clearly communicate the need to secure funding for projects or operations.

Common error

Avoid using "obtain capital" when you mean to discuss profits from investments. Use "capital gains" to refer specifically to the profit from the sale of assets.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain capital" functions as a verb phrase, where "obtain" is the main verb and "capital" is the direct object. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obtain capital" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies the act of acquiring financial resources. Ludwig confirms that it is commonly used in news media, academic, and encyclopedia contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intent to secure funding and isn't confused with similar terms like "capital gains". Alternatives like "secure funding" or "raise capital" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Proper use of this phrase is crucial for clear communication in business, finance, and related fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secure funding

Emphasizes the act of making funding certain and reliable.

raise capital

Focuses on the process of accumulating capital from various sources.

attract investment

Highlights the action of making a venture appealing to investors.

acquire funds

Stresses the act of gaining financial resources.

procure financing

Indicates a formal process of getting financial backing.

generate revenue

Focuses on creating income rather than just acquiring capital.

accumulate wealth

Implies a gradual building up of financial resources over time.

access credit

Specifically refers to obtaining capital through borrowing.

bring in investment

Suggests actively soliciting and receiving investment.

unlock capital

Highlights releasing capital that was previously unavailable or tied up.

FAQs

What does "obtain capital" mean in business?

In a business context, "obtain capital" refers to securing the necessary funds or financial resources to start, operate, or expand a business. This can involve actions such as "raise capital", "secure funding" or "attract investments".

What are some strategies for startups to "obtain capital"?

Startups can "obtain capital" through various methods, including seeking venture capital, angel investors, small business loans, or crowdfunding. The best approach depends on the startup's specific needs and stage of development. Government grants and incubators also can help startups "acquire funds".

Is it better to "obtain capital" through debt or equity financing?

The choice between debt and equity financing depends on the company's financial situation and risk tolerance. Debt financing involves borrowing money that must be repaid with interest, while equity financing involves selling a portion of the company's ownership in exchange for capital. Each option has pros and cons. Consulting with a financial advisor can help decide to "procure financing" through the best option.

How does a company's credit rating affect its ability to "obtain capital"?

A company's credit rating is a crucial factor in its ability to "obtain capital". A higher credit rating indicates lower risk, making it easier for the company to "access credit" and secure loans at favorable interest rates. Conversely, a poor credit rating can make it difficult or expensive to borrow money.