obtain energy

USAGE SUMMARY

"obtain energy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is getting energy from a source, for example, "The solar panel was used to obtain energy from the sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is comparable to a biologist claiming that plants obtain energy from magnetism rather than photosynthesis".

The Guardian

Muscles make it deliberately, producing it from glucose, and they burn it to obtain energy.

The New York Times - Health

Now they have abandoned these, and obtain energy from the public supply mains.

Nature

They do not obtain energy and nutrients by eating other organisms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They obtain energy from chemical reactions with sulphides, and can thus accelerate the breakdown of minerals.

The Economist

Instead, they are insulated by their thick fur and obtain energy from their mothers' milk, which is rich in fat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As consumers – organisms that obtain energy by eating other organisms – we rely on plants as a major source of sustenance.

Columbia University

We will show how to obtain energy estimates by using systematically quasilinear normal forms, in their para-differential version.

University of California, Berkeley

The extremely acidophilic, obligately chemolithoautotrophic Thiobacilli can obtain energy from the chemolithotrophic oxidation of inorganic sulfur.

Chinese Journal of Biotechnology

This paper explores analytically the potential use of transverse galloping in order to obtain energy.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

"Colourless" algae can obtain energy and food by oxidizing organic molecules, which they absorb from the environment or digest from engulfed particles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing energy sources, specify the method or process used to "obtain energy". For example, clarify whether it's through solar panels, chemical reactions, or consumption of food.

Common error

Don't use "obtain energy" without specifying the source. It's better to be specific. Avoid saying "The organism obtains energy." Instead, say "The organism obtains energy from glucose."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain energy" functions as a verb phrase where "obtain" is the transitive verb and "energy" is the direct object. It describes the action of acquiring or receiving energy from a source, as seen in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtain energy" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes the process of acquiring or extracting energy. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While it is a common expression, specificity regarding the source of energy is recommended for clarity. Related phrases like "acquire energy" or "generate energy" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Given its wide usage and grammatical correctness, "obtain energy" is a reliable choice for expressing energy acquisition across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire energy

Focuses on the act of gaining energy, often implying effort or process.

generate energy

Emphasizes the creation or production of energy from a source.

harness energy

Highlights the controlled utilization of energy from a natural source.

derive energy

Suggests extracting energy as a byproduct or consequence.

secure energy

Implies a sense of guaranteeing or ensuring access to energy.

extract energy

Focuses on the removal or separation of energy from a substance or system.

procure energy

Formal term for obtaining energy, often used in business or policy contexts.

tap into energy

Highlights the connection to an energy source.

draw energy

Implies a continuous or steady consumption of energy.

access energy

Emphasizes the ability to reach or utilize an energy source.

FAQs

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

You can use "obtain energy" to describe how organisms, systems, or devices acquire power. For example: "Plants obtain energy from sunlight" or "The city plans to obtain energy from renewable sources".

What are some alternatives to "obtain energy"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "acquire energy", "generate energy", or "harness energy".

Is it correct to say "attain energy" instead of "obtain energy"?

While "attain" can sometimes be a synonym for "obtain", "attain energy" is less common and might sound slightly unusual. "Obtain energy" is generally preferred for its directness and common usage.

What is the difference between "obtain energy" and "gain energy"?

"Gain energy" often implies an increase in one's own energy levels, like after a meal or rest, while "obtain energy" refers more broadly to the process of acquiring energy from any source.