obtain the privilege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain the privilege" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of acquiring a special right or advantage, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "To access the restricted area, you must first obtain the privilege granted by the management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This year, thanks to a promotional idea by BBH Labs, conference-goers could make a "donation" to one of these "Homeless Hotspots," as they were called, to obtain the privilege of Internet access.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 1240 the community, then comprising the district around the village of Schwyz and the Muota Valley, obtained the privilege of being subject immediately to the empire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is how the neighborhood policing of segregation works, and why the solution for violence across town isn't to just move: because there will always be a hurdle for people of color to obtain the same privileges as the ones white people enjoy, no matter where we live.

The Guardian

The law broadly protects the opportunity of all persons to obtain the advantages and privileges "of any place of public accommodation"...

The New York Times

Once the reputation score is obtained, the final privilege level is computed using the following equation: P L = ( M a x P L - M i n P L ) * R S c o r e + M i n P L (1).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The judge said the case was unique because no-one knew whether the doctors would succeed in obtaining the required privileges.

The Guardian

After a long struggle in the second half of the 18th century, it obtained the same privileges as Lille to manufacture all of the textiles that the English made.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A Dennis H. Greenstein, a Manhattan co-op and condominium lawyer, describes what the writer is trying to do as becoming a "holder of unsold shares" — that is, someone who obtains the same privileges as the sponsor.

The New York Times

Unite said that Maude has admitted to having legal advice concerning the TTIP's potential impact on the NHS but has blocked a freedom of information request to obtain the advice, citing "legal professional privilege".

The Guardian - Business

(4) If the required privilege level for the service is in between the minimum and the maximum privilege on the certificate, then obtain the reputation score of the node and compute its privilege level at that point of time (explained below).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Former T-Mobile employee Kristi Rifkin told ABC News that, even after being told to clock out, she still had to record all the times she used the bathroom and had to turn them in to her supervisor to prove she wasn't taking advantage of a doctor's note she had obtained for the privilege of using the toilet.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obtain the privilege" when referring to a formal or official process of acquiring a right or benefit. For example, in legal, historical, or institutional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "obtain the privilege" in casual conversation or informal writing. It sounds overly formal and can be replaced with simpler alternatives like "get the chance" or "have the opportunity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain the privilege" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, indicating the action of acquiring a specific right or advantage. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtain the privilege" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the acquisition of a specific right or advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is indeed correct. While relatively rare, its formality makes it suitable for contexts such as legal, historical, or institutional discussions. Alternatives like "gain the advantage" or "secure the right" can be employed depending on the desired nuance. When writing, remember to reserve "obtain the privilege" for more formal settings and consider simpler alternatives for casual communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gain the advantage

This phrase emphasizes the benefit received rather than the right itself.

Secure the right

Focuses on the act of ensuring or guaranteeing a specific entitlement.

Acquire the benefit

Highlights the acquisition of a beneficial outcome.

Receive authorization

Implies formal approval to exercise a specific right.

Be granted the permission

Emphasizes the act of being given formal consent.

Be afforded the opportunity

Stresses the provision of a chance or possibility.

Earn the distinction

Suggests that the privilege is obtained through merit or effort.

Be entitled to the benefit

Focuses on having a legal or moral claim to the advantage.

Procure the advantage

Emphasizes the effort involved in acquiring the benefit.

Access the entitlement

Focuses on the ability to make use of a specific right or benefit.

FAQs

What does "obtain the privilege" mean?

The phrase "obtain the privilege" means to acquire or be granted a special right, advantage, or permission. It implies a formal or official process of acquiring something not generally available to everyone.

When is it appropriate to use "obtain the privilege"?

It's appropriate to use "obtain the privilege" in formal settings such as legal documents, historical narratives, or when describing institutional processes. In everyday conversation, alternatives like "get the chance" or "have the opportunity" may be more suitable.

What are some synonyms for "obtain the privilege"?

Synonyms include "gain the advantage", "secure the right", and "acquire the benefit". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "obtained the privilege"?

Yes, "obtained the privilege" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct. It indicates that the act of acquiring the special right, advantage, or permission has already occurred.