they have obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they have obtained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has acquired or received something in the past and that this action has relevance to the present. Example: "After months of research, they have obtained the necessary permits to begin construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have obtained a Turkish court ruling ordering that the New York suit be halted.

The New York Times

But subway officials are guarded about whether they have obtained it.

The New York Times

They carry semiautomatic weapons they have obtained easily and, in most cases, legally.

The New York Times

The police have not disclosed what information, if any, they have obtained.

The New York Times

Since then, the experts said, they have obtained new evidence, including microbiological samples.

The Washington Post

Employers also may monitor workplace communications if they have obtained their employees' consent.

Harvard Business Review

Indeed, the files of recruiting firms are full of résumés they have obtained this way over the years.

The New York Times

In the past the activists have helped groups of North Koreans storm into foreign embassies in Beijing, where they have obtained political asylum.

The New York Times

Individuals seeking entry via this route will be required to provide a comprehensive CV detailing the experience, training and qualifications they have obtained to date.

The Guardian

*Ticket brokers are prepared to sell thousands of tickets for the inauguration, balls and parade that they have obtained from sources they decline to identify.

The New York Times

Under federal securities law, people are barred from trading in a stock if they have obtained "material nonpublic information" from a company insider.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they have obtained" to emphasize the result or outcome of an action, rather than the process itself. For instance, "They have obtained the necessary permits" focuses on the permits being secured.

Common error

Avoid using "they have obtained" when referring to a future event. Instead, use "they will obtain" or "they are going to obtain" to maintain proper tense consistency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have obtained" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. This indicates that the action of obtaining something was completed at some point in the past and has a connection to the present. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they have obtained" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase in the present perfect tense. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a past action with present relevance. It is frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, conveying the successful acquisition of something. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, care should be taken to ensure clear reference to "they" and correct tense usage. Consider alternatives such as "they acquired" or "they secured" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they acquired

Focuses more directly on the act of gaining possession.

they secured

Implies effort and success in getting something.

they received

Highlights the act of being given something.

they gained

Suggests a gradual accumulation or benefit.

they procured

Emphasizes the effort and means used to get something, often implying official channels.

they came into possession of

A more formal way of saying they now have something.

they were granted

Highlights the act of being officially given something.

they laid hold of

Suggests a firm grasp or control over something.

they took possession of

Formal and legalistic, indicating ownership.

they got hold of

A more informal way to say they acquired something, sometimes implying it was difficult or unauthorized.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "they have obtained"?

You can use alternatives like "they acquired", "they secured", or "they received" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is "they have obtained" typically used in a sentence?

"They have obtained" is used to indicate that a group of people has successfully acquired or received something. For example, "They have obtained the data needed for the project".

What's the difference between "they obtained" and "they have obtained"?

"They obtained" refers to a completed action in the past, while "they have obtained" indicates an action completed in the past that has relevance to the present. For example, "They obtained a loan last year" versus "They have obtained the loan and can now start the business".

Is "they have obtained" formal or informal?

"They have obtained" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.