they have acquired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they have acquired" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or a group has obtained something, typically in a formal or business context. Example: "After months of negotiations, they have acquired the rights to the new technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They have acquired a market, and that drives so much.

The New Yorker

Instead, they have acquired new mutations to different genes.

The New York Times - Science

Since then, they have acquired all the properties adjacent to the cafe.

The New York Times

Nor have the films they have acquired for distribution from abroad broken the mould.

The Guardian - Film

But they have acquired this knowledge at home, not at school.

The Guardian - Opinion

And research shows that once they have acquired the habit of reading, they never lose it.

The Guardian - Books

They have acquired foreign companies and foreign labour to upskill local labour".

The Guardian - Sport

Party workouts are so popular they have acquired another nightlife trapping: waitlists.

The New York Times

Some speculators just sit on high-value land they have acquired without cultivating it.

The New York Times

For some young women, of an "emo" bent, they have acquired a certain cachet.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They had acquired heightened attention.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they have acquired" to indicate a formal or official gaining of something, such as property, rights, or skills. It often implies a deliberate action or process.

Common error

Avoid using "they have acquired" in very informal or casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "they got" or "they obtained" for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have acquired" functions as a verb phrase in the perfect tense. It indicates that a group or entity has completed the action of obtaining something. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from business acquisitions to skill acquisition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they have acquired" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate the act of obtaining or gaining something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific sources, suggesting a neutral to professional tone. When choosing this phrase, consider the context and opt for simpler alternatives like "they obtained" in informal situations. Remember that while "acquired" and "obtained" are similar, "acquired" often implies a more strategic or deliberate effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they have obtained

Replaces "acquired" with a more general synonym, focusing on the simple act of getting something.

they have gained

Similar to "obtained", but implies more effort or benefit in the process of getting something.

they have secured

Implies a more active and deliberate effort to get something, often involving competition or risk.

they have attained

Suggests a higher level of achievement or effort in getting something, often implying a long-term goal.

they have come into possession of

A more formal and legalistic way of saying they now own or control something.

they now possess

Focuses on the current state of having something, rather than the act of getting it.

they are now the owners of

Explicitly states ownership, emphasizing legal rights and responsibilities.

they have taken ownership of

Highlights the act of assuming control and responsibility for something.

they managed to get

Focuses on the effort and possibly difficulty involved in obtaining something.

they have inherited

Implies they received something through legal succession, typically after someone's death.

FAQs

How can I use "they have acquired" in a sentence?

You can use "they have acquired" to indicate that a group or entity has obtained something, typically in a formal or business context. For example, "After extensive negotiations, "they have acquired" the rights to the new technology."

What are some alternatives to "they have acquired"?

You can use alternatives like "they have obtained", "they have gained", or "they have secured" depending on the context.

Is "they have acquired" formal or informal?

"They have acquired" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for professional, academic, or news-related contexts. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "they have acquired" and "they have obtained"?

While both phrases are similar, "they have acquired" often implies a more deliberate or strategic effort to gain something, whereas ""they have obtained"" is a more general term for getting something.