obtain internet access

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain internet access" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of gaining the ability to connect to the internet. Example: "In order to complete the online course, you must first obtain internet access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Tethering is the practice of using a device such as a smartphone or laptop as a modem to obtain Internet access for additional devices.

The Washington Post

"We should not let a few bad apples spoil the bushel," said Representative Bobby L. Rush, Democrat of Illinois, noting that the program had helped schools in his Chicago district obtain Internet access.

The New York Times

An MP can operate its WiFi interface in two modes simultaneously: (1) ad hoc mode that interacts with nearby MPs and (2) infrastructure mode that either acts as a client to obtain Internet access or as an access point to allow ordinary WiFi devices to obtain network access.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The island had limited contact with the outside world until residents obtained Internet access in 2002.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Get internet access.

WikiHow

Eight feeder primary schools obtain free internet access through the school's broadband connection to the local FE college; and local community groups use the school's facilities.

The Guardian

By contrast, American customers usually pay a flat monthly rate of less than $25 for local phone calls and can obtain basic Internet access for about $20 a month.

The New York Times

The guy, 26-year-old Matthew Delorey, was selling hacked Comcast cable modems that enabled users to obtain free Internet access.

TechCrunch

This is where E-Rate comes in – the government program that provides discounts so schools and libraries can obtain affordable Internet access, partly funded through a universal fee charged to telecommunications companies.

Forbes

I live in Mount Vernon and to date have had no success at obtaining fast Internet access.

The New York Times

Many say they want to provide Internet service only because students, small businesses and low-income residents cannot afford or obtain high-speed Internet access.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, consider using the more common and less formal phrase "get internet access" instead of "obtain internet access".

Common error

Avoid using "obtain internet access" in very informal contexts, as it might sound overly formal or stilted. Consider using simpler alternatives like "get online" or "connect to the internet".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain internet access" functions as a noun phrase, where "obtain" acts as a verb indicating the action of acquiring, and "internet access" is the object of the verb, specifying what is being acquired. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtain internet access" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express the act of acquiring the ability to connect to the internet. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various contexts. While the phrase is acceptable in most situations, it carries a slightly more formal tone compared to alternatives like "get internet access". Ludwig's analysis indicates that it appears frequently in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When aiming for a more relaxed or informal tone, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get internet access

Uses "get" which is less formal than "obtain".

gain internet access

Emphasizes the process of acquiring internet access.

acquire internet access

Similar to "obtain" but might suggest a more deliberate effort.

secure internet access

Highlights the act of making internet access safe and protected.

access the internet

Focuses on the action of using the internet, rather than obtaining it.

connect to the internet

Implies establishing a connection to the internet network.

have internet access

Indicates a state of possessing internet connectivity.

hook up to the internet

A more informal way of saying "connect to the internet".

arrange for internet access

Focuses on making arrangements or preparations to get internet access.

procure internet access

A more formal and less commonly used alternative to "obtain".

FAQs

What can I say instead of "obtain internet access"?

You can use alternatives like "get internet access", "gain internet access", or "secure internet access" depending on the context.

Is "obtain internet access" formal?

Yes, the phrase "obtain internet access" is more formal than alternatives like "get internet access" or "connect to the internet". Use it when a professional or academic tone is appropriate.

How do I use "obtain internet access" in a sentence?

You can use "obtain internet access" in sentences like, "Students must obtain internet access to complete their online assignments" or "The library offers resources to help community members obtain internet access".

What's the difference between "obtain internet access" and "have internet access"?

"Obtain internet access" refers to the act of getting connected, while "have internet access" refers to the state of being connected. For example, "After setting up the router, I was able to obtain internet access. Now, I have internet access at home."