obtains knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtains knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of acquiring or gaining information or understanding about a subject. Example: "Through years of study and experience, she obtains knowledge that is invaluable to her profession."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

(1) The receiver obtains knowledge on signal propagation time from each transmitter to itself through some standard association procedure.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Even a staunch supporter of the atomistic view can acknowledge that we don't all share the same experiences, and if one is an empiricist, holding that one obtains knowledge primarily through experience, one can acknowledge that different experiences will lead to different knowledge bases.

SEP

By this is meant not scientific knowledge in the modern sense of a body of theory based on the experimental testing of hypotheses, but rather an understanding of the reason why a given fact obtains (knowledge propter quid), as opposed to knowledge simply that the fact does obtain (knowledge quia), what might be described as a certain kind of explanatory knowledge.

SEP

The follower obtains knowledge through its leading tutor.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Because he who obtained knowledge has not returned.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

A party, however, may be held to the duty to exert reasonable effort to obtain knowledge of a fact...

Harvard University

Interdisciplinary research is necessary in order to obtain knowledge about individual ion activity coefficients.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obtains knowledge" in formal writing or when emphasizing a deliberate effort to acquire knowledge. For more informal contexts, consider "gains knowledge" or "learns about".

Common error

Avoid using "obtains knowledge" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "learns" or "finds out".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtains knowledge" functions as a verb phrase, where "obtains" is the transitive verb and "knowledge" is the direct object. It describes the action of acquiring or coming into possession of knowledge, aligning with examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

Academia

25%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obtains knowledge" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the action of acquiring knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While "obtains knowledge" is acceptable, it's relatively rare, with usage skewed towards formal and scientific contexts. Consider synonyms like "acquires knowledge" or "gains knowledge" for broader applicability, and avoid it in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. When writing, remember that the phrase "obtains knowledge" works best when emphasizing a deliberate and systematic effort to learn.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquires knowledge

Replaces "obtains" with "acquires", indicating a more formal or deliberate acquisition of knowledge.

gains knowledge

Substitutes "obtains" with "gains", suggesting a gradual accumulation of knowledge.

acquires understanding

Replaces "knowledge" with "understanding", emphasizing comprehension rather than just information.

expands knowledge

Suggests increasing the scope or depth of existing knowledge.

gathers information

Shifts focus from abstract knowledge to concrete information collection.

learns about

Uses a more general verb "learns", indicating a broader process of gaining knowledge.

cultivates understanding

Suggests a careful and prolonged approach to gain insight about the subject.

develops expertise

Focuses on developing a high level of skill or knowledge in a specific area.

secures information

Implies actively and deliberately getting secret or hard to find information.

attains mastery

Indicates achieving a very high level of knowledge or skill in a particular subject.

FAQs

What is the difference between "obtains knowledge" and "gains knowledge"?

"Obtains knowledge" suggests a more deliberate or formal acquisition of knowledge, while "gains knowledge" implies a more gradual and progressive accumulation. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance can subtly shift the tone of your writing.

Are there situations where "obtains knowledge" is preferable to "learns"?

Yes, "obtains knowledge" is preferable when you want to emphasize the effort or process involved in acquiring the knowledge. "Learns" is a more general term, while "obtains knowledge" highlights the active pursuit of information.

What are some synonyms for "obtains knowledge" that fit different contexts?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "acquires knowledge", "gathers information", "develops expertise", or "secures information" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different connotations.

How can I use "obtains knowledge" effectively in a sentence?

Use "obtains knowledge" when you want to emphasize the active and intentional process of acquiring information or understanding. For example: "Through rigorous research, the scientist obtains knowledge crucial to the development of the new vaccine."