procure

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "procure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean "to get something with effort, especially by formal or legal means". For example: "He was able to procure a lawyer for his case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A nice young kid was out minding his own business, trying to buy some weed, only to be told that the sole way he could procure said weed was if he were to first "smash the face in" of some weedy kid for no reason.

The Guardian - Music

Shortly thereafter, a salacious video for Miley Cyrus's Adore You materialised, in which the singer runs a sly hand down her body to signify that she too will procure her own pleasure – a routine she's also decided to play up on her current Bangerz tour.

The Guardian - Music

"The vigilantes use shotguns and cartridges and have been short in supply, so the leader left yesterday for Maiduguri to procure more in the event of any attack," he told AFP. "But Boko Haram launched the attack while he was still in Maiduguri.

The Guardian

"I was advised by the Crown Solicitor, [Greg] Hollister-Jones, that he had reviewed the police file and the available evidence to support the charge of attempting to procure murder," Mabey's statement said.

The Guardian - Music

But he pointed out: "The problem evidentially would be proving whether or not the person who approached individuals for money or loans actually had the power to procure the title.

The Guardian

The charge of attempting to procure murder against AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has been dropped a day after he appeared in a New Zealand court.

The Guardian - Music

The following extract of a letter in a Bremen paper, translated into the Leeds Mercury, accurately expresses the very general feeling in Germany on this subject:—"There is scarcely any country in the world that possesses such a power as Germany to procure a great sale of the products of its industry.

The Economist

In an ongoing investigation into rhino-horn trafficking, the FWS arrested Irish travellers using indigent Texans to procure material for Chinese and Vietnamese buyers.

The Economist

Mr Alègre, a policeman's son, would procure prostitutes for the sessions.

The Economist

Every alley in Bangkok has a resident fleet of motorcycle taxis, and every one of the drivers can procure ya baa (methamphetamine).

The Economist

Just as important, they promised to procure bits of military kit, either individually or in groups.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "procure" when you want to emphasize a formal or deliberate process of obtaining something, especially through official channels or careful effort. It suggests more than just a simple purchase.

Common error

Avoid using "procure" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler words like "get" or "obtain" would be more appropriate. "Procure" can sound overly formal or pretentious in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The verb "procure" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It signifies the act of obtaining something, often through deliberate effort or specific means. As noted by Ludwig, the examples illustrate how "procure" is used in various contexts such as "procure said weed" or "procure a weapon".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "procure" is a verb that signifies obtaining something through deliberate effort, often with a formal or official process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly used in formal contexts, especially in news, business, and scientific writing. While "obtain", "acquire", and "secure" are suitable alternatives, "procure" emphasizes a more structured or complex acquisition. Remember to use it in appropriate contexts to avoid sounding overly formal. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its wide application, from acquiring materials to securing permits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Obtain

A direct synonym, focusing on gaining possession of something, often through effort.

Acquire

Emphasizes gaining possession or control of something, often through purchase or effort.

Secure

Highlights making something safe or certain to obtain, often implying competition or difficulty.

Obtain possession of

More verbose, stressing the act of taking ownership.

Come by

Informal way to express obtaining something, often unexpectedly or casually.

Get hold of

Suggests effort or difficulty in obtaining something, often implying scarcity.

Gain access to

Focuses on obtaining the right or ability to use or benefit from something.

Take possession of

Formal and legalistic, emphasizing the formal transfer of ownership.

Pick up

An informal alternative implying a casual or easy acquisition.

Source

Emphasizes finding the origin or supplier of something, implying research or investigation.

FAQs

How do you use "procure" in a sentence?

"Procure" is used to describe the act of obtaining something, often through special effort. For example, "The company had to "procure" special permits to begin construction."

What's the difference between "procure" and "purchase"?

"Procure" implies a process of obtaining something, which may or may not involve a purchase. "Purchase", on the other hand, specifically refers to acquiring something by paying for it. You can "procure" resources through donations, but you can't "purchase" them that way.

What can I say instead of "procure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "obtain", "acquire", or "secure" instead of "procure".

When is it appropriate to use the word "procure"?

It is suitable in formal writing, business contexts, and legal settings where a deliberate and often complex acquisition process is being described. Using "procure" is appropriate when the process involves specific steps or requirements to obtain something.