obtaining food

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtaining food" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the act of acquiring food, whether for personal consumption, feeding others, or in a broader sense related to survival or sustenance. Example: "The primary challenge for the group was obtaining food in the harsh winter conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lizards spend considerable time obtaining food, usually insects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Difficulties in obtaining food led many settlers to abandon the island and return to England.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite these general similarities there was wide diversity in social structure depending on the methods of obtaining food.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Studies of Kalahari Bushmen and other nomadic groups show that hunter-gatherers, even in the most inhospitable landscapes, typically spend less than twenty hours a week obtaining food.

The New Yorker

About half of the patients and relatives who gave evidence to the inquiry singled out difficulty in obtaining food and drink as a major concern.

The Guardian

The developing embryo, incapable of obtaining food or defending itself, is encapsulated within a protective egg shell that contains adequate food.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We see them obtaining food just twice — one snake, one turtle — and Shane and the writhing snake never appear in the same frame.

The New York Times - Arts

Vertebrates are much more complex and, in keeping with their more active manner of obtaining food, highly varied in their ecology and habits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The powers of an initiate included not only those of healing and causing death but also those of obtaining food for the tribe and victory in battle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She remained in the Netherlands during the war, Blankers-Koen said, obtaining food from an uncle who had a farm, thankful just for surviving, never thinking about training for the Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

During the war, they often had no means of support, and their only hope of obtaining food for themselves and their children was to accept a liaison with a German soldier.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the challenges faced by a population, use "obtaining food" to emphasize the difficulty in accessing a consistent food supply. For example: "Refugees often struggle with "obtaining food" and clean water."

Common error

Avoid using "obtaining food" when you simply mean the act of eating. "Obtaining food" refers to the process of acquiring it, not the act of consumption. For example, instead of saying "He is obtaining food", say "He is eating food" if you mean he's in the process of consuming food.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtaining food" functions as a gerund phrase, where "obtaining" is a gerund (a verb form functioning as a noun). It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the action of acquiring food. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a variety of sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

22%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtaining food" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the process of acquiring nourishment. As Ludwig AI states, it appears in a variety of contexts, including scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. While generally neutral in tone, it can be used in both formal and informal settings. Key related phrases include "acquiring sustenance" and "securing nourishment". When using the phrase, remember that it refers to the act of acquisition, not consumption. Remember to use "obtaining food" to emphasize difficulty when there are challenges in food supply, not to replace simple statement of food availability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquiring sustenance

This alternative uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the life-sustaining aspect of food.

securing nourishment

This emphasizes the effort and need for security in getting food.

procuring edibles

This is a more technical or formal way of saying getting food.

getting provisions

This suggests a more planned or preparatory action, like stocking up.

finding sustenance

This alternative highlights the act of discovering or locating food, often in challenging circumstances.

sourcing edibles

Implies finding food from a specific origin or supplier.

gathering victuals

Victuals is an older term for food, which gives this a historical feel.

foraging for food

This specifically refers to searching for food in the wild.

accessing nutrition

This focuses on the nutritional aspect of obtaining food.

feeding oneself

This puts emphasis on the act of eating.

FAQs

How can I use "obtaining food" in a sentence?

You can use "obtaining food" in sentences discussing the process or challenge of acquiring food. For instance, "The survival of the group depended on their ability to "obtaining food" in the wilderness."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "obtaining food"?

Alternatives include "acquiring sustenance", "securing nourishment", or "procuring edibles", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "obtaining food" formal or informal?

"Obtaining food" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "acquiring sustenance" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "obtaining food" and "finding food"?

"Obtaining food" implies a broader process of acquiring food through various means, while "finding food" suggests a more specific action of locating it. "Finding sustenance" implies searching, whereas "obtaining" can include purchasing, growing, or receiving food.