purchased

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'purchased' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a completed transaction when an item has been bought, usually in exchange for money. For example: I recently purchased a new laptop.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The city council compulsorily purchased the Hubb building.

The Guardian

In a small black rucksack he carries all his possessions: a phone, an old toothbrush, a spare pair of underpants and trousers, and a packet of paracetamol, purchased in a pound shop, to stave off the aches and pains that come from living on the streets.

The Guardian

The files were procured on chat channels and through Napster and BitTorrent; I haven't purchased an album with my own money since the turn of the millennium.

The Guardian - Books

"News will continue to invest in our extensive suite of print and digital products, which are purchased and read by millions of Australians every day".

The Guardian

And they will appreciate the way Huhne's vision of a rich diversity of local provision contrasts with the Tory idea of popular schools taking over the rest: "It's been a good half for the school: the match with Harrow was won, and St Custard's was purchased through a leveraged buy out".

The Guardian - Opinion

Almaz-Antey said it had carried out the investigation as part of an appeal against its inclusion on sanctions lists, saying that the development of a new "cluster" near St Petersburg had become significantly more expensive now that equipment could no longer be purchased from suppliers it had previously planned to use.

The Guardian

Ideally you're new, with the potential to become an overnight sensation; or something familiar already purchased in vast numbers.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to the CIH, council tenants who live in one property throughout their adult lives pay far more in rent than they would have done with a mortgage had they purchased the property under right-to-buy.

The Guardian

One of the foreign investors, from the UK, is negotiating with the government to divest a property purchased for about $700,000 in Western Australia.

The Guardian - Business

The wood itself she foraged for or purchased locally.

The Guardian - Arts

According to Property Week the Pure student blocks are being purchased through LetterOne, a Luxembourg-based vehicle with $29bn in assets and offices in Park Lane, Mayfair.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "purchased" when you want to sound slightly more formal than using "bought". In business or legal contexts, "purchased" is generally preferred.

Common error

Be careful not to use "purchased" when "acquired" is more appropriate. "Purchased" implies a monetary transaction, while "acquired" can refer to obtaining something through other means, such as inheritance or a gift.

Linguistic Context

The word "purchased" functions primarily as the past tense and past participle of the verb "purchase". It signifies the completed action of buying something. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts such as news reports, business transactions, and personal accounts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "purchased" is the past tense and past participle of "purchase", indicating a completed transaction. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. It carries a neutral to slightly formal tone, making it appropriate for news reports, business documents, and factual descriptions. While synonyms like "bought" exist, "purchased" often conveys a more professional feel. Usage is very common across various contexts, with a strong presence in news, business, and scientific domains. It's essential to differentiate "purchased" from "acquired", as the former specifically implies a monetary exchange.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bought

A more common and informal synonym for "purchased".

paid for

Highlights the payment aspect of acquiring something.

procured

Suggests acquiring something, often through special effort or means.

acquired

Indicates obtaining something, but not necessarily through a monetary transaction.

obtained

Similar to acquired, but can also imply effort or process in gaining something.

secured

Implies obtaining something, often after competition or difficulty.

invested in

Focuses on the monetary aspect of acquiring something, suggesting a return or benefit.

took possession of

A more formal way of saying someone now owns something that they may have bought.

came into possession of

Similar to "took possession of" but emphasizes the transition of ownership.

gained ownership of

Emphasizes the legal aspect of acquiring something.

FAQs

How is "purchased" typically used in a sentence?

The word "purchased" is generally used as the past tense or past participle of the verb 'purchase', indicating that something has been bought. For example, 'I "purchased" a new car yesterday'.

What are some synonyms for "purchased"?

Alternatives include "bought", "acquired", "obtained", or "procured". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When should I use "purchased" instead of "bought"?

"Purchased" is more formal than "bought". Use "purchased" in professional, legal, or business contexts where a more sophisticated tone is desired.

Is "purchased" the same as "acquired"?

While both words indicate gaining possession, "purchased" specifically implies a financial transaction. "Acquired" can refer to any method of obtaining something, not just through buying.