obtain the stuff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain the stuff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts when referring to acquiring items or materials, though "stuff" is vague and may not be suitable for formal writing. Example: "I need to obtain the stuff for the project before we can start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Where would someone obtain the stuff?

The New York Times

Those users who can't obtain the stuff legally will steal it straight from the pharmacy.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Reader blossiekins bought into the consumerist explanation: "If you constantly bombard people with messages about what they 'must have' and yet create a society in which they cannot possibly obtain that stuff legitimately, we should hardly be surprised when they go out and take it for themselves".

The Guardian

The internal energy change immediately after the discharge started was negative because the release enthalpy was larger than the quantity of heat obtained from the stuffing material.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

A green sample obtained from the stuffing of a mummified infant (M.18) from the Estación Sanitaria site whose color had not been studied to date, was also analyzed (Figure 2d).

Heritage Science

I always watch out where I get the stuff from".

BioMed Research International

The association also obtained the domain name righeimer.com and stuffed the site with documents showing that the developer couldn't even balance his own books.

The New Yorker

Since real incense was impossible to obtain, he stuffed the censer with dry sage rolled up in balls.

The New Yorker

The Holocaust Museum in New York has objected to being designated by the game as a "Pokestop" where humans go to obtain free stuff and has asked "Pokémon Go addicts to stop playing there".[x] The real-world site of Auschwitz[xi] in Poland has asked the game to remove its location from play, out of respect for the dead.

Huffington Post

What if the latent hostility and violence that lurk underneath their crimes — I will obtain your stuff, own a piece of you and ultimately consume you — took a darker turn?

Los Angeles Times

There is a large selection of movies Netflix could easily obtain, like stuff from India's Bollywood film factory, a lot of interesting documentaries and television programs from the BBC and others.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obtain the stuff", consider your audience. In formal writing, replace "stuff" with a more specific term like "materials", "equipment", or "resources" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using "obtain the stuff" in formal reports or academic papers. Instead, specify exactly what you are obtaining. For example, instead of saying "We need to obtain the stuff for the experiment", say "We need to acquire the necessary chemicals and lab equipment for the experiment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain the stuff" functions as a verb phrase where "obtain" is the main verb and "the stuff" acts as the direct object. As suggested by Ludwig, this indicates the act of acquiring or getting something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtain the stuff" is an informal phrase used to describe the act of acquiring unspecified items. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct but may be too vague for formal contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, and less often in strictly formal or business settings. When using this phrase, consider replacing "stuff" with more specific terms for clarity in professional or academic writing. For alternative phrasings, consider using terms like "acquire the items" or "get the materials".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get the things

Uses the more common verb "get" instead of "obtain", making it more conversational, and "things" is a direct synonym for "stuff".

acquire the items

Replaces "obtain" with "acquire", indicating a more formal acquisition, and "stuff" with "items", suggesting specific objects.

procure the goods

Uses "procure" for a more official tone and "goods" instead of "stuff", implying commercial items.

gather the supplies

"Gather" implies collecting from different places, and "supplies" refers to necessities.

secure the materials

"Secure" implies ensuring possession, while "materials" specifies resources needed for a task.

purchase the articles

"Purchase" specifies buying something, and "articles" implies individual items.

find the equipment

"Find" suggests discovery, and "equipment" refers to specific tools or apparatus.

source the components

"Source" suggests finding a supplier, and "components" refers to parts of a whole.

collect the belongings

"Collect" means to accumulate, and "belongings" refers to personal possessions.

snag the merchandise

"Snag" is an informal term for acquiring quickly, and "merchandise" refers to items for sale.

FAQs

What does "obtain the stuff" mean?

The phrase "obtain the stuff" generally means to get or acquire certain items or materials. The term "stuff" is vague, so the precise meaning depends on the context. It's often used informally.

What can I say instead of "obtain the stuff"?

You can use alternatives like "acquire the items", "get the materials", or "secure the resources" depending on the context.

Is "obtain the stuff" formal or informal?

"Obtain the stuff" is considered informal due to the use of the word "stuff", which is a vague and general term. More formal alternatives would include specifying what "stuff" refers to, such as "acquire the equipment" or "procure the supplies".

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

It is appropriate to use "obtain the stuff" in casual conversation or informal writing when the specific items being referred to are either obvious or unimportant to list. However, in professional or academic contexts, it's best to use more precise language.