obtainable by asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtainable by asking" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you want to indicate that something can be acquired through a request or inquiry. Example: "The information you need is obtainable by asking the receptionist." Alternative expressions include "accessible by asking," "available through inquiry," and "gathered by requesting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Start by asking questions".

Forbes

Begin by asking questions.

WikiHow

Begin by asking politely.

WikiHow

Histidine, an amino acid obtainable by hydrolysis of many proteins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Glycine, the simplest amino acid, obtainable by hydrolysis of proteins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1996, American supporters of Israel helped pass a law limiting the sharpness of American images of Israel to the best obtainable by any foreign company.

The New York Times - Science

But they also offer information not obtainable by reporters pressed to publish every day, who have to worry about maintaining relationships with sensitive sources.

The New York Times - Books

The results are compared with those obtainable by i.r.r

Polymer

Alums have many uses, but they have been partly supplanted by aluminum sulfate itself, which is easily obtainable by treating bauxite ore with sulfuric acid.

Britannica

Specialists in the field say that the yield curve of money market rates is now inverse, with better yields obtainable by fund managers from securities with shorter terms.

The New York Times

It is also the only aircraft that does not affect its environment and the only device that can sit relatively motionless above heights obtainable by helicopters.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In highly formal reports, consider replacing 'asking' with more precise terms like 'written request' or 'formal inquiry' to clarify the expected procedure.

Common error

Writers often add redundant adverbs like "easily obtainable by asking" when the context already implies simplicity. Unless the ease of acquisition is a specific point of comparison, simply using the phrase alone is more concise and professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtainable by asking" functions as an adjective phrase that identifies a property of a noun. It combines the adjective 'obtainable' with a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial of means. According to Ludwig, this structure is frequently used to describe data, information, or permissions that are not public but are accessible.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "obtainable by asking" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase used across diverse fields such as Science, Journalism, and Academia. While exact string matches for the full four-word phrase are less frequent than its variations (like "obtainable by hydrolysis" or "obtainable by request"), the underlying logic is a staple of English writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity through various authoritative snippets, showing that it functions as a clear indicator of how to bridge the gap between availability and acquisition. Writers should feel confident using it to describe items or data that require a simple inquiry to access, though more formal contexts may occasionally favor synonyms like "available upon request".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

available upon request

Standard business and academic terminology for information not immediately provided

available by asking

A more common and slightly less formal synonym for 'obtainable'

obtainable through request

Replaces the gerund 'asking' with the more formal noun 'request'

can be acquired by asking

Uses a verbal construction ('can be acquired') rather than an adjective

accessible by inquiry

More formal, suggesting a formal process of investigation or questioning

attainable by request

Implies that asking is the specific means to reach a goal or obtain a result

procurable by asking

Uses 'procurable', which implies a slightly more effortful acquisition process

provided on demand

Suggests that the item is ready as soon as it is asked for

gained through inquiry

Focuses on the result of the inquiry as a gain or achievement

ready for the asking

An idiomatic expression meaning something is very easily obtained

FAQs

Is "obtainable by asking" formal enough for a research paper?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. However, many academic writers prefer using "available upon request" when referring to datasets or supplemental materials.

What is the difference between "obtainable by asking" and "available on request"?

The phrase "available on request" is a set business idiom, whereas "obtainable by asking" is a more literal description of the method of acquisition.

Can I use "obtainable by asking" in a casual conversation?

It might sound a bit stiff. In casual settings, you would more likely say something is "just ask for it" or "you can get it if you ask."

Which is more common: "obtainable by asking" or "obtainable by request"?

Scientific and news sources, as seen in Ludwig AI, more frequently use "obtainable by request" as it sounds more official.