obtaining knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtaining knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of acquiring information or understanding about a particular subject. Example: "The primary goal of education is obtaining knowledge that can be applied in real-world situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Shabda, ( Sanskrit: "sound") in Indian philosophy, verbal testimony as a means of obtaining knowledge.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Doubting both the evidence of the senses and the possibility of understanding, Agrippa concluded that human beings have no starting point for obtaining knowledge.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Intuition, in philosophy, the power of obtaining knowledge that cannot be acquired either by inference or observation, by reason or experience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The entire media world's brains have not yet solved how generally to persuade the digital user to pay for expert reportage and judgment, even when the costs and logistics of obtaining knowledge are obvious.

The Guardian

Aside from comparing a doctrine about how the world works (Qi) with an open-ended method for obtaining knowledge, what exactly is "sacrosanct" about a method that readily allows for the integration of willow bark and turtle blood, provided that they hold up to scrutiny?

The New York Times

So it is natural to wonder how we succeed in obtaining knowledge of them.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The flattening world has allowed just about anyone to obtain knowledge, and the US is now competing against similar or better rivals.

The Guardian

No one disputes the goal of security checks -- to block terrorists before they enter the country and obtain knowledge or technology that could foster their aims.

The New York Times

But a basic desire to obtain knowledge — which Tengo assumed to be a more or less natural urge in people — was lacking in the man.

The New Yorker

"Absent literacy, a child has no way to obtain knowledge, communicate with the world, or participate in the institutions and activities of citizenship," said Mark Rosenbaum, director of the opportunity under law project of Public Counsel, which is filing the lawsuit.

The Guardian

Autonomous elements use communication resources to exchange obtained knowledge.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obtaining knowledge" when you want to emphasize the active process of acquiring information or skills, particularly through effort or study.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "obtaining knowledge" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "learning" or "finding out" to keep the tone appropriate for the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtaining knowledge" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the action of acquiring information, understanding, or skills. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

18%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtaining knowledge" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile expression used to describe the process of acquiring information and understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its formal register. While the phrase is widely accepted, remember to consider simpler alternatives like "learning" in informal settings. The related phrases, such as "acquiring knowledge" and "gaining understanding", offer nuanced variations for expressing similar ideas. Use this knowledge to refine your writing and communicate more effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquiring knowledge

Uses a different gerund with similar meaning.

gaining knowledge

Employs a different verb implying a gradual accumulation.

acquiring understanding

Replaces "knowledge" with "understanding" emphasizing comprehension.

gaining understanding

Combines "gaining" with "understanding" to suggest a gradual increase in comprehension.

attaining knowledge

Uses "attaining", suggesting reaching a certain level of knowledge.

gathering knowledge

Uses a different verb with a similar meaning, implying the collection of information.

securing knowledge

Emphasizes the effort involved in protecting the integrity of information.

developing knowledge

Focuses on a progressive growth of understanding.

cultivating knowledge

Implies nurturing and fostering the growth of knowledge.

procuring knowledge

Suggests a formal or deliberate effort to obtain knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "obtaining knowledge" to describe the process of acquiring information or skills. For example, "The course is focused on "obtaining knowledge" about data analysis".

What are some alternatives to "obtaining knowledge"?

You can use alternatives such as "acquiring knowledge", "gaining knowledge", or "learning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "obtaining knowledge" formal or informal?

"Obtaining knowledge" tends to be more formal than simply "learning". It is suitable for academic, professional, and scientific contexts.

What is the difference between "obtaining knowledge" and "acquiring knowledge"?

While both phrases are very similar, "obtaining knowledge" often implies a more deliberate effort or process, whereas "acquiring knowledge" can refer to a more passive or natural accumulation of information.