they obtain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they obtain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of acquiring or gaining something, typically in a general or formal context. Example: "In order to succeed in this industry, they obtain the necessary skills through rigorous training and education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They obtain fraudulent documents.

The New York Times

Where could they obtain Iglas?

The New Yorker

How did they obtain that polonium?

Independent

Unless, of course, they obtain a waiver.

The New York Times

They obtain their energy from minerals".

The New Yorker

"They obtain leverage on those people, too".

The New Yorker

What food they have, they obtain from charities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Can they obtain health-insurance benefits as spouses?

The New Yorker

The only way they obtain them is through illegal means.

The Guardian

They obtain the loans and guarantees when selling products abroad.

The New York Times

That suggests they obtain a lot of purely domestic chatter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they obtain", ensure the sentence clearly indicates the source or method by which something is acquired to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they obtain" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "they get" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they obtain" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of acquiring or gaining possession of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically sound and usable expression. It's generally used to describe how a group or entity comes into ownership or possession of an item, resource, or right.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they obtain" is a versatile and widely used expression that describes the act of acquiring something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While "they obtain" is prevalent in formal and professional settings like news reporting, scientific research, and business communication, it might sound stilted in informal conversations where alternatives like "they get" would be more appropriate. The frequency analysis from Ludwig shows this expression is very common in the English language, particularly within news, science, and business categories. When writing, remember that while there are several alternatives, "they obtain" carries a formal, objective tone which can be very helpful in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they acquire

Focuses more on the process of gaining possession, often through effort.

they receive

Emphasizes the act of being given something.

they get

A more informal way of saying they obtain, suitable for casual contexts.

they secure

Highlights the effort or process involved in making something certain or safe.

they gain

Suggests an increase or advantage is achieved.

they procure

Implies careful or diligent effort in acquiring something, often something difficult to obtain.

they derive

Indicates something is obtained from a source or origin.

they collect

Suggests gathering items together, often over time.

they come by

An idiomatic way of saying they obtain, often implying some luck or chance.

they are granted

Focuses on the act of permission or authority in giving something.

FAQs

How can I use "they obtain" in a sentence?

Use "they obtain" to describe the process of acquiring or receiving something, such as "They obtain resources through various channels".

What are some alternatives to "they obtain"?

You can use alternatives like "they acquire", "they receive", or "they get" depending on the context. For example, "they acquire" implies effort, while "they receive" focuses on being given something.

Is it more formal to say "they obtain" or "they get"?

"They obtain" is more formal than "they get". Use "they obtain" in professional or academic writing where a neutral tone is needed. For example, avoid "they get" in favor of "they obtain" in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "they obtain" and "they secure"?

"They obtain" refers to generally acquiring something, while "they secure" suggests effort or making something certain. Securing is similar to insuring. For example, if the goal is implying some effort it is best to use "they secure".