obtaining information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtaining information" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of gathering or acquiring data or knowledge. Example: "The primary goal of the research project is obtaining information about consumer behavior in the digital marketplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Obtaining information, and obtaining it fast, is crucial for doctors who battle epidemics.

The New York Times

His comments reflect the difficulty of obtaining information on Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

The authorities identified him after obtaining information about his account from Yahoo.

The Guardian - Opinion

But torture is an unreliable method for obtaining information on suspected terrorists.

The Guardian - Opinion

The code includes strict guidelines on invasion of privacy and obtaining information through deception.

The Guardian

Telemetry was indispensable in controlling and obtaining information from far-ranging craft.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, it now appears that obtaining information will be generally free, which is to be welcomed.

The Guardian

New media I'm obsessed with obtaining information so only really use Google and Wikipedia.

The Guardian

The commission conducted an investigation into phone-hacking and other methods of obtaining information by "subterfuge" in 2007 after Clive Goodman, the former royal editor of the News of the World, was jailed for obtaining information illegally.

The Guardian

But Mr. Clarke warned that airline executives themselves were having trouble obtaining information because Kenya's telephone system is so bad.

The New York Times

Going dark refers not to the absence of legal authority to conduct interception, but the practical difficulties in obtaining information.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "gathering" might suit informal settings, while "obtaining" often lends a more formal or professional tone.

Common error

Avoid framing sentences in a way that obscures who is "obtaining information". Be direct and specify the actor to maintain clarity and accountability in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtaining information" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the act of acquiring knowledge. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly appears in sentences discussing research, investigations, or data collection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtaining information" is a versatile and commonly used gerund phrase to describe the act of acquiring knowledge or data. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While alternatives like "gathering information" and "acquiring information" exist, "obtaining information" often carries a more formal and deliberate connotation. When writing, it's important to avoid overuse of the passive voice and to clearly identify who is performing the action of obtaining. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of this phrase allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquiring information

Focuses on the act of gaining possession of information.

gathering information

Implies a process of collecting information from various sources.

collecting data

Specifically refers to the process of amassing facts and statistics.

accessing information

Focuses on the ability to reach and retrieve information.

securing data

Highlights the aspect of protecting and ensuring the safety of acquired information.

finding information

A more general term for locating and retrieving data.

extracting data

Emphasizes the process of pulling out specific information from a larger source.

procuring data

Emphasizes the act of obtaining data through formal means or effort.

sourcing data

Highlights the identification of the source from which you're gathering the information.

unearthing information

Suggests discovering information that is hidden or difficult to find.

FAQs

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

You can use "obtaining information" to describe the process of acquiring knowledge or data. For instance, "The researcher focused on "obtaining information" about the effects of climate change".

What are some alternatives to "obtaining information"?

Alternatives include "gathering information", "acquiring information", and "collecting data". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "obtaining information" formal or informal?

"Obtaining information" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. More informal alternatives exist, such as "getting information".

What is the difference between "obtaining information" and "accessing information"?

"Obtaining information" implies a more active process of acquiring or gathering data, while "accessing information" focuses on the ability to reach and retrieve already existing data.