records were obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "records were obtained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the acquisition of documents or data, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "After a thorough investigation, it was confirmed that the necessary records were obtained from the relevant authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Phone records were obtained".

The New York Times

Conversations were monitored and cellphone records were obtained.

The New York Times

The records were obtained from her lawyer, Esther I. Obiora, who has filed a malpractice lawsuit.

The New York Times

The Google records were obtained by the advocacy group Partnership for Working Families.

The Washington Post

Patient records were obtained from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development databases.

Stanford University

"Phone records were obtained". But the precise nature of the allegations against Lieutenant Adams were never disclosed.

The New York Times

Study design: Sleep records were obtained three times for each of six jittery infants.

Early Human Development

Performance records were obtained from a trial designed to assess environmental factors affecting gastrointestinal parasite resistance.

Small Ruminant Research

(B) the records were obtained in the exercise of the agency's or department's supervisory or regulatory functions.

Harvard University

The records were obtained without notice, directly from the phone company.

The New York Times

Children's viral load and 3-month pharmacy records were obtained.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in formal contexts, ensure the method of obtaining the "records" aligns with ethical and legal standards. Clearly stating how the "records were obtained" can improve transparency and credibility.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying who obtained the "records". Instead of "records were obtained", consider "researchers obtained the records" to provide clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "records were obtained" functions as a passive construction indicating that specific documents or data were acquired. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows examples across varied fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

28%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "records were obtained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across numerous contexts. Ludwig confirms its validity and frequent usage, especially in scientific, academic, and news-related domains. While effective, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying who obtained the records when possible, avoiding passive voice ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "data was acquired" or "information was collected" can offer nuanced variations. Understanding these points will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Data was acquired

This alternative emphasizes the process of gaining data, maintaining a focus on acquisition but using different terminology.

Information was collected

Focuses on the active gathering of information, suggesting a more deliberate collection process than simply obtaining it.

Documents were retrieved

Highlights the act of recovering specific documents, implying a process of searching and finding.

Details were accessed

Emphasizes the ability to gain entry to particular details, suggesting the removal of an access barrier.

Files were secured

Stresses the process of ensuring files were in a protected state, implying an effort to make the access secure.

Evidence was gathered

Indicates the collection of evidence, focusing on materials that support a claim or investigation.

Transcripts were procured

Highlights the acquisition of transcripts, often in a formal or official context.

Statistics were compiled

Emphasizes the process of assembling statistics, implying a systematic collection and arrangement of numerical data.

Materials were sourced

Highlights the act of obtaining materials from a particular source, focusing on origins and supplies.

Findings were discovered

Focuses on the aspect of uncovering results or information, implying an element of exploration or investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "records were obtained" in a sentence?

You can use "records were obtained" to indicate that data or documents have been acquired. For example, "Medical "records were obtained" for the study" or "Phone "records were obtained" during the investigation".

What are some alternatives to saying "records were obtained"?

Alternatives include phrases like "data was acquired", "information was collected", or "documents were retrieved". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. For example data was "acquired" suggests a more deliberate collection, whereas documents were "retrieved" implies searching and finding.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing how records were obtained?

While "records were obtained" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "The researchers obtained the records") can make your writing clearer and more direct. However, if the actor is unknown or unimportant, the passive voice is appropriate.

What's the difference between "records were obtained" and "records were accessed"?

"Records were obtained" implies that the records were acquired or collected, potentially from an external source. "Records were accessed", on the other hand, suggests that the records were already available but were viewed or utilized in some way. Accessed highlights the act of "viewing records", while obtained focuses on the acquisition.