obtain data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain data" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to collect or gather information. Example: The researchers conducted a survey to obtain data on consumer preferences.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are other ways these companies obtain data that comScore was unable to capture.

The New York Times

To obtain data to support your funding requests.

Stanford University

We will work with our other taxi provider in 2009 to obtain data on the related carbon emissions.

The Guardian

You say Medicare beneficiaries will now be able to "obtain data about doctors who botched their care".

The New York Times

The goal was to obtain data on thrust, roll control, acoustics, and vibrations to aid engineers in designing Ares I.

MIT Technology Review

Facebook revealed earlier this year that Cambridge Analytica was able to obtain data on 87 million Facebook users.

The Washington Post

In France, Spain and Germany the police cannot outsource the collection of fines, so they can't obtain data from the DVLA.

The Guardian - Money

The means of interception mean GCHQ and NSA could obtain data without any knowledge or co-operation from the technology companies.

The Guardian

The crash occurred near Mount Patterson, where researchers are deploying G.P.S. units and other sensors to obtain data on changes in Antarctic ice sheets.

The New York Times

In the meantime, the patented method can be used to obtain data on numerous pain sufferers and create averages against which an individual's pain can be measured.

The New York Times

Member states should ensure that their law-enforcement agencies do not obtain data from servers and infrastructure in another country under informal arrangements.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business contexts, frame the acquisition of data as a strategic move. Specify how the data will contribute to decision-making or improved outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "obtain data" as a generic phrase without specifying the method or purpose. Instead, be specific. For example, instead of saying, "We need to obtain data", specify "We need to conduct a survey to gather data on customer satisfaction."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain data" functions as a verbal phrase used to describe the action of acquiring information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in academic research, business strategies, and journalistic investigations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtain data" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase widely used to describe the process of acquiring information across various domains. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, showing usage in academic research, news reporting, and business contexts. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone and is particularly frequent in scientific and news-related content. To enhance clarity in writing, consider specifying the method and purpose of data acquisition rather than using the phrase generically. Alternative phrases like "acquire information" or "gather facts" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Therefore, using “obtain data” correctly can significantly improve the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire information

Uses 'acquire' instead of 'obtain', implying a more active or effortful process of gaining information.

gather facts

Replaces 'data' with 'facts', suggesting a focus on verifiable information.

collect evidence

Emphasizes the process of collecting data for a specific purpose, such as proving a point or supporting an argument.

procure information

Uses 'procure', indicating a more formal or official method of obtaining information.

secure data

Focuses on the aspect of ensuring the data is safely acquired and protected.

extract data

Highlights the process of pulling out specific data from a larger source.

derive insights

Shifts the focus to gaining understanding or insights from data, rather than just collecting it.

compile statistics

Implies a more structured and quantitative approach to data collection.

source information

Highlights the act of identifying and utilizing sources of information.

glean data

Suggests that data must be gathered gradually from various places.

FAQs

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

You can use "obtain data" in a sentence to describe the process of gathering information. For instance, "Researchers used surveys to obtain data on consumer preferences" or "The company plans to obtain data from social media to improve its marketing strategies."

What's a more formal alternative to "obtain data"?

More formal alternatives include "acquire information" or "procure data". These options suggest a more deliberate and official process of data collection.

What verbs are commonly used with "data" besides "obtain"?

Other verbs frequently used with "data" include "collect", "gather", "analyze", "interpret", and "process". The choice depends on the specific context and the action being performed on the data.

How does "obtain data" differ from "collect data"?

"Obtain data" and "collect data" are often used interchangeably. However, "obtain" can sometimes imply a broader range of methods, while "collect" often refers to a more direct process of gathering data firsthand.