obtained the key

USAGE SUMMARY

"obtained the key" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, but here are a few examples: 1. "The detective obtained the key to the locked room and finally solved the mystery." 2. "After weeks of searching, we finally obtained the key to our new apartment." 3. "She obtained the key to his heart with her charming personality." 4. "The archaeologist was thrilled to have obtained the key to unlocking the ancient tomb." 5. "After years of hard work and dedication, he finally obtained the key to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Just as you would give someone a nicely wrapped present the day after someone passes an exam, you might bring a cake to the lab the day after you obtained the key data for your article.

Science Magazine

William had obtained the key under false pretences by telling the letting agents that he was a viewer interested in renting the property.

Wikipedia

In a technical report attempting to underscore the significance of this technology and filed with the Superior Court of Quebec, the RCMP stated that ithad obtained "the key that would unlock the doors of all the houses of the people who use the provider's services, and that, without their knowledge".

Vice

The New York Times today published an article by William J. Broad that discusses how the Soviet Union may have obtained the key H-bomb secret ("radiation implosion") through espionage from an American spy at Los Alamos laboratory in the 1950s.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But forward secrecy means data would still be secure, even if the agency obtained the keys to the encrypted data.

The Guardian - Tech

But forward secrecy means that data would still be secure, even if the agency obtained the keys to the encrypted data.

The Guardian - Tech

Obtaining the key would let the intruder listen in on a conversation between two Bluetooth devices.

The New York Times

For Eve to read this transmission, and thus obtain the key, she must destroy some photons.

The Economist

Private investigators helped obtain the key details that could fast-track hacking – which became a key weapon of MGN titles and their efforts to compete with other tabloid titles for the big exclusives.

Independent

Using this result, we obtain the key capacity of the fast-fading MIMO wiretap channel (Section 3).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Compound 4 reacted with di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)methanethione to obtain the key intermediate 1-cyclopropyl-4-isothiocyanatonaphthalene (5).

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obtained the key", ensure the context clearly indicates what the key unlocks, whether it's a physical object, information, or a solution to a problem.

Common error

Avoid using "obtained the key" if the subsequent action or result is not significant. The phrase suggests a critical breakthrough, so the outcome should match that expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtained the key" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of acquiring something essential for access or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtained the key" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe the act of acquiring something essential. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is well-regarded and readily applicable. While relatively uncommon, its use spans several contexts, including science, news, and general knowledge, emphasizing its versatility. When using "obtained the key", consider alternatives like "acquired the key" or "secured the key", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, the significance of obtaining the key should align with the resulting outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquired the key

Synonymous replacement, focusing on the action of gaining possession.

secured the key

Implies effort and intent in obtaining the key.

gained access to the key

Focuses on the access granted by obtaining the key.

found the key

Suggests discovering the key, perhaps unexpectedly.

retrieved the key

Implies the key was previously lost or unavailable.

procured the key

A more formal synonym for obtaining.

unlocked the secret

Metaphorically suggests obtaining a key piece of information.

deciphered the code

Implies a challenge in understanding or accessing something.

accessed the solution

Focuses on finding a resolution or answer.

identified the critical factor

Emphasizes the importance of what was obtained or identified.

FAQs

How can I use "obtained the key" in a sentence?

Use "obtained the key" to describe gaining access to something crucial, such as "The detective "obtained the key" to the evidence locker."

What are some alternatives to "obtained the key"?

Alternatives include "acquired the key", "secured the key", or "gained access to the key", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "obtained the key" or "found the key"?

"Obtained the key" implies a deliberate effort, while "found the key" suggests a chance discovery. Choose the phrase that best reflects how the key was acquired.

What does it mean to say someone "obtained the key" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "obtained the key" means discovering or understanding something essential to solving a problem or achieving a goal, like saying they "unlocked the secret".