obtained an education

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtained an education" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through formal schooling or training. Example: "After years of hard work, she finally obtained an education that would help her pursue her dream career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Born of a slave father and a free mother, Walker grew up free, obtained an education, and traveled throughout the country, settling in Boston.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the Kiryandongo district, there was no significant difference in household size between the affected and control groups.> The level of education of the household heads differed significantly among the affected and controls (P < 0.01 in both districts), but generally more than 85% in both districts had not obtained an education beyond primary school.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were trying to do the right thing, obtaining an education in order to be able to work and earn, or trying to fund their children's education.

The Guardian - Money

"He has a strong desire to obtain an education in order to provide for a future spouse that his family has already located for him.

The Guardian

This hopelessness drives some to return to Mexico, in the hope that they can obtain an education or get a job.

The Guardian

But they also talked about the suffering their families had endured — kidnappings, homes abandoned under pressure — and their own struggles to obtain an education.

The New Yorker

Before the Taliban takeover, women in Afghanistan possessed significant freedoms, including the right to obtain an education, work in various professions and serve in the Afghan Parliament.

The New York Times

He continued, "I was not privileged enough to have been raised in a State where I could obtain an education.

The New York Times

Beyond basic housing, there is a need for services that can help them obtain an education and job skills that could help lead them toward society's mainstream.

The New York Times

Princess Fatima told the President through an interpreter [Weyman] that she was in this country as a traveller and to obtain an education for her sons and to acquire an understanding of the United States.

The New Yorker

In late October, the Nuggets helped his 12-year-old half-brother, Giorgi Kipiani, obtain an education visa that allowed him to leave Georgia, where publicized wealth created kidnapping fears.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the acquisition of knowledge or skills through formal schooling, use "obtained an education" to clearly convey the successful completion or attainment of educational goals.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure who facilitated the education. Instead of saying 'An education was obtained', specify who obtained the education for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtained an education" functions as a verb phrase acting as the predicate in a sentence, describing the action of acquiring knowledge and skills through learning. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtained an education" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the acquisition of knowledge and skills through formal schooling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English. It conveys the successful attainment of educational goals and is versatile enough for use in various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. Alternatives like "received an education" or "acquired an education" can be used to add nuance, focusing on different aspects of the educational experience. When using this phrase, prioritize clarity and specify who obtained the education for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Received an education

Replaces "obtained" with "received", emphasizing the act of being given an education.

Acquired an education

Substitutes "obtained" with "acquired", highlighting the effort and process of gaining an education.

Secured an education

Uses "secured" instead of "obtained", focusing on the achievement and stability of gaining an education.

Gained an education

Replaces "obtained" with "gained", stressing the benefit and addition of knowledge from the educational experience.

Underwent an education

Uses "underwent" instead of "obtained", emphasizing the process and experience of going through an education.

Pursued an education

Highlights the active seeking and striving for an education, shifting focus from the result to the effort.

Completed an education

Emphasizes the finishing and achievement aspect of the educational journey.

Finished schooling

This alternative is less formal and focuses on the completion of school education.

Graduated from school

Refers specifically to graduating from an educational institution, marking the end of a particular level of study.

Was educated

This alternative uses a passive voice, focusing on the person being the recipient of education.

FAQs

What is a good substitute for "obtained an education"?

Alternatives to "obtained an education" include "received an education", "acquired an education", or "gained an education", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "obtained an education" in a sentence?

You can use "obtained an education" in a sentence like this: "After years of hard work, she finally "obtained an education" that allowed her to pursue her dream career."

Is it more formal to say "obtained an education" or "received an education"?

Both ""obtained an education"" and ""received an education"" are generally considered formal, but "obtained" can sometimes imply more effort or active pursuit.

What's the difference between "obtained an education" and "completed an education"?

"Obtained an education" refers to the process of acquiring knowledge and skills, whereas "completed an education" specifically refers to finishing a particular level or type of schooling.