obtain something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of acquiring or getting something. Example: "She was able to obtain the necessary documents for her application." Alternative expressions include "acquire something" and "get something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

To make movies sometimes to obtain something we have to be completely free.

The Guardian - Film

But it does offer an opportunity for meaningful debate, and to perhaps obtain something better.

The Guardian - Opinion

We tend to always want to obtain something new and something more and we never really enjoy what we have.

The Guardian

"To be able to realize and obtain something that at the end everybody praises, it's very satisfactory".

The New York Times

Mr. Libby also acknowledged that the government may punish false speech that is intended to obtain something of value.

The New York Times

Gibbs said to me, 'We have been overwhelmed, Mr. Hall.' He was able to obtain something for me at the Ritz, however".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

He would brighten whenever he obtained something valuable for his collection, though.

The New Yorker

"I have obtained something which I believe will do the job.

The Guardian

"It seems like whenever I was almost at the point of obtaining something or getting somewhere, seems like something would happen and take it away.

The New Yorker

We obtained something hitherto only available to my daughters (like Hello Kitty and tolerance) as a treat if they visit the twins next door.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the O.E.D. says the obsolete term means "suppression of truth or fact for the purpose of obtaining something; fraudulent misrepresentation".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nature of the object; if the item is gained through chance or gift, prefer "receive something" over obtain.

Common error

Do not use "obtain something" for very basic, effortless daily tasks where "get" or "grab" is more natural. For instance, "I obtained a glass of water" sounds unnaturally stiff compared to "I got a glass of water."

Linguistic Context

As a transitive verb phrase, it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its role as a standard way to express acquisition in various syntactic structures, including infinitives and gerunds.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtain something" is a highly effective and grammatically correct construction in English, as verified by Ludwig AI and illustrated by numerous examples from premier sources like The New York Times. It serves as a versatile tool for describing acquisition in a way that feels more deliberate and professional than the simple verb "get". Whether used in scientific contexts to describe results or in investigative journalism to describe finding information, it remains a stable and respected choice. Writers should favor it when the act of acquisition involves a process, effort or legal formality. Ultimately, its widespread use across diverse domains proves its status as a core phrase for effective English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire something

Implies a more permanent addition to one's possessions or knowledge

get something

A more informal and versatile alternative used in daily speech

secure something

Suggests that effort or negotiation was required to guarantee the outcome

attain something

Often refers to reaching a goal or a specific state through effort

procure something

Highly formal and often used in legal, medical or government contexts

gain something

Focuses on the benefit or increase resulting from the acquisition

fetch something

Specifically implies going to a place to bring something back

receive something

Indicates a more passive role where something is given to the subject

snag something

Casual slang implying a quick or opportunistic acquisition

earn something

Explicitly links the acquisition to the merit or work of the subject

FAQs

How to use "obtain something" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe the act of getting an object or information, such as: "The researcher was able to "obtain something" resembling a consensus among the participants."

What can I say instead of "obtain something"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "acquire something", "get something" or "secure something".

Is "obtain something" formal?

Yes, it is considered a neutral to formal phrase. It is frequently found in news reports, scientific journals and legal documents rather than in very casual conversation.

What is the difference between obtain and "procure"?

While both mean to get something, "procure something" often implies a specific, structured process or the use of special means, frequently used in professional or technical settings.