obtain from

USAGE SUMMARY

"obtain from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how someone got something. For example: "He was able to obtain the money he needed from his family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What food they have, they obtain from charities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yes, any information we obtain from you is kept secure.

The Guardian

"That's all we were able to obtain from that meeting".

The New York Times

"There are some benefits that Medicaid offers that you can't obtain from private insurance".

The New York Times

We have been trying to obtain from Google proposals to overcome the difficulties and the concerns.

The Guardian - Tech

But financing is still difficult to obtain from risk-averse government agencies, Mr. Salzman complained.

The New York Times

A form is easy to obtain from www.honours.gov.uk, and you can also get them by post.

The Guardian - Opinion

At first it was just fresh vegetables that Cubans could no longer obtain from Miami.

The Guardian

These dynamic information is difficult to obtain from the conventional 2D plot.

Stanford University

Extort: To obtain from another by coercion or intimidation (according to dictionary.com).com

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The student should obtain from the Dissertation Secretary the statement of rules governing the two options.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obtain from", ensure the source is clearly identified to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether data was "obtained from a study" or funding was "obtained from a grant".

Common error

Avoid using "obtain from" without specifying the source, as this can weaken the credibility of your statement. Always clarify where the information or resource was "obtained from" to enhance clarity and trustworthiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain from" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of acquiring or receiving something from a specified source. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to show the origin or procurement of information, resources, or funding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtain from" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the source of something, whether it's information, resources, or funding. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly identify the source to avoid ambiguity and enhance credibility. Alternatives like "acquire from", "derive from", and "get from" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. By understanding the best practices and common errors associated with "obtain from", you can ensure clear and effective communication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire from

Emphasizes the process of gaining possession or control of something from a particular source.

derive from

Focuses on the origin or source from which something is extracted or developed.

get from

A more informal and general way to express receiving something from someone or something.

secure from

Highlights the effort or process of ensuring that something is obtained from a specific place or entity.

receive from

A neutral way to indicate the act of getting something from a source without emphasis on the process.

extract from

Specifically refers to the process of taking something out or drawing it from a source, often implying separation.

procure from

Suggests a more formal and sometimes elaborate process of obtaining something, often in a business or official context.

collect from

Indicates gathering or assembling things from a specific origin or group.

glean from

Implies gathering information or insights gradually or from various sources, often with effort.

source from

Focuses on identifying the specific origin or supplier from which materials or products are obtained, particularly in business.

FAQs

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

Use "obtain from" to indicate the source from which something is acquired. For example, "Researchers "obtain from" surveys the data needed for their analysis", or, "The company was able to "secure from" investors the capital for its expansion".

What are some synonyms for "obtain from"?

Alternatives to "obtain from" include "acquire from", "derive from", or "get from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "obtain from" or "get from" in formal writing?

"Obtain from" is generally more appropriate for formal writing, as it conveys a higher degree of professionalism and precision compared to the more informal "get from".

What's the difference between "obtain from" and "extract from"?

"Obtain from" is a general term for acquiring something from a source, while "extract from" implies a more specific process of taking something out or drawing it from a source, often suggesting separation or effort.