obtain water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain water" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where you are referring to the act of getting or acquiring water, whether for drinking, cooking, or other purposes. Example: "In order to survive in the desert, it is crucial to obtain water as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Many people obtain water from polluted waterways.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were, however, allowed to obtain water as needed.

Cornell University

"At the outlet we obtain water clean enough to swim in," Jacquet says.

The Guardian

Finally, we installed a faucet to allow people to obtain water.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They have not been observed drinking, and likely obtain water from leaves and insects while feeding.

Cornell University

Parasitic pants are plants that obtain water and/or nutrients from host plants.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Building a superhydrophobic coating on polymer films is an important way to obtain water-proof surfaces.

Surface and Coatings Technology

These results endorse photoinduced ATRP as an attractive technique to obtain water-soluble polymers with a poly(MPC) segment.

Polymer

Lastly, to obtain water-dispersible SPIO, chloroform was removed by rotary evaporation.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The new system allows water consumers (businesses) to obtain water-supply rights (quotas) by making investments in water-savings projects locally.

Forbes

This 'dry' compressed air could then be redirected into a gas humidifier to obtain water-saturated air.

EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, use “obtain water” when describing the process of retrieving water samples for analysis. This can help underscore the methodical nature of the process.

Common error

Avoid using "obtain water" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "get water" or "find water" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain water" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "obtain" acts as a transitive verb and "water" serves as its direct object. The purpose of this verb phrase is to describe the action of acquiring or gaining possession of water. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

21%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtain water" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that describes the act of acquiring water. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its appropriateness varies with context, being more suited to formal or technical writing than casual conversation. While simpler alternatives like "get water" exist, "obtain water" maintains a level of precision often required in scientific and academic discourse. Its widespread presence in scientific literature, news reports, and encyclopedic entries underscores its versatility and reliability in conveying the process of water acquisition across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire water

Replaces "obtain" with a synonym that also suggests gaining possession of water.

get water

A more informal and common alternative to "obtain water".

procure water

A more formal synonym of obtain.

access water

Focuses on the ability to reach and use water, rather than the act of acquiring it.

secure water

Emphasizes the effort and measures taken to ensure a reliable water supply.

source water

Highlights the act of finding and utilizing a water source.

draw water

Implies extracting water from a well, river, or other source.

extract water

Suggests removing water from a larger body or area, often through technical means.

find water

Focuses on the act of locating a source of water, often in a survival context.

collect water

Implies gathering water, often from rainfall or other natural sources.

FAQs

What does "obtain water" mean?

The phrase "obtain water" means to get or acquire water, usually through some effort or process. It's a more formal way of saying "get water".

What are some synonyms for "obtain water"?

Some synonyms for "obtain water" include "acquire water", "get water", "access water", and "secure water".

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

You can use "obtain water" in a sentence like, "Villagers often have to walk long distances to obtain water for their families" or "The scientists are studying how plants obtain water in arid environments."

Is it better to say "obtain water" or "get water"?

While both "obtain water" and "get water" are correct, "obtain water" is generally more formal. Use "obtain water" in scientific, technical, or formal writing. "Get water" is appropriate for casual conversation and informal writing.