obtained back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtained back" is not correct and is not commonly used in written English.
It is generally used incorrectly as "obtained" already implies receiving or acquiring something, making "back" redundant. Example: "I was able to obtain back the documents I had lost."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Fourier like transform is taken for the obtained back scattered field e x, y, z, t) where z = 0.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

We obtained back trajectory maps for the 14 days with the most notably elevated HRs, which were all associated with high-altitude winds from the northwest.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Joe Roth, the former head of Walt Disney Studios, has obtained backing for his new movie company from Sony Pictures, the Starz Encore Group and Fox Entertainment.

The New York Times

Unlike Ipso, which has obtained backing from about 90% of the newspaper and magazine industry, his initiative has not yet obtained commitment from any newspaper or magazine.

The Guardian

Since we obtained backing for the three inferences, our validation of Criterion® has made substantial progress to eventually argue for the validity of the interpretation and use based on Criterion® scores in our context.

Language Testing in Asia

He obtained backing for police to keep protesters 200 meters (yards) from the wedding hall in the Tel Aviv suburb of Rishon Lezion.

HuffPost

Covariate adjusted means for diameter change during the FMD and NTG assessments were obtained, back-transformed, and then converted to a "corrected" adjusted percentage change by subtracting 1 from the back-transformed value and multiplying it by 100.

BioMed Research International

The union, Local 32BJ S.E.I.U., praised Mr. Spitzer's efforts to obtain back pay for workers and strengthen oversight of corporations.

The New York Times

During much of 1783 and 1784, Howe returned frequently to Philadelphia, New York, and other cities in the northeast in an attempt to settle accounts and obtain back payments he claimed he was owed by Congress.

Wikipedia

The sultans, emirs, and sheikhs were drawn from the tribes, whom they had to cosset to obtain backing.

Britannica

Although he was himself a pianist of no consequence, Wagner depended heavily on the piano in the hands of the small army of virtuosos he cajoled into performing transcriptions of his operas for the princes and businessmen from whom he hoped to obtain backing to produce his grandiose theatrical projects.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "obtained back" as it is redundant. Use single words like "retrieved" or "recovered" for clearer and more concise writing.

Common error

Don't add "back" after "obtained". The word "obtained" already implies that something was received. Using "obtained back" can make your writing sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtained back" functions as a verb phrase, attempting to describe the action of regaining something. However, Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is generally incorrect due to redundancy, as the verb "obtained" already implies the act of receiving something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obtained back" is generally considered grammatically incorrect due to its redundant nature. As Ludwig AI points out, "obtained" already implies receiving something, making "back" unnecessary. While it might appear in informal contexts, it is best to use alternatives like "retrieved" or "recovered" for clarity and correctness. The phrase's infrequent usage and the availability of better alternatives suggest avoiding it in formal writing to maintain a professional and polished tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Retrieved

This term simply means to get something back.

Recovered

Implies getting something back after it was lost or stolen.

Got back

A more informal way of saying retrieved.

Reclaimed

Suggests getting something back that was rightfully yours.

Regained

Indicates getting back something that was lost, such as control or possession.

Received back

More descriptive, but avoids the redundancy.

Secured the return of

A more formal and emphatic way of stating retrieval.

Acquired again

Highlights the repeated acquisition of something.

Took back

Implies a more active retrieval.

Reacquired possession of

Formal and emphasizes regaining control or ownership.

FAQs

Is "obtained back" grammatically correct?

No, "obtained back" is generally considered grammatically incorrect because the word "obtained" already implies that something has been received or acquired. Adding "back" is redundant.

What can I say instead of "obtained back"?

You can use alternatives like "retrieved", "recovered", or "got back" depending on the context.

Is there a situation where "obtained back" would be appropriate?

While technically redundant, in very informal speech, someone might use "obtained back" for emphasis. However, it is best to avoid it in formal writing. Consider using "reclaimed" or "regained" instead.

Which is correct, "obtained" or "obtained back"?

"Obtained" is the correct and preferred choice. "Obtained back" is redundant. For example, instead of "I obtained back my keys", say "I obtained my keys" or "I got my keys back".