they obtained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they obtained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of acquiring or receiving something, typically in a formal or academic context. Example: "After extensive research, they obtained the necessary data to support their findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Still, they obtained 100 convictions.

The New York Times

Others say they obtained information without paying.

The New York Times - Health

They obtained her telephone billing records.

The New York Times

They obtained a visa to Portugal for Steinberg.

The New Yorker

The following morning, they obtained a refund and called police.

The Guardian

According to a court filing, they obtained $4,500 each.

The New York Times

Later they obtained equipment from groups like Downtown Community Television.

The New York Times

In another, they obtained dating pointers in "Flirting 101".

The New York Times - Science

The group was carrying flags they obtained at the parade.

The New York Times

They obtained several pieces from local auction houses.

The New York Times

They obtained the letters through the Freedom of Information Act.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they obtained" when you want to emphasize the act of acquiring something through effort, process, or formal means. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using weaker synonyms like "they got" in formal writing when "they obtained" provides a more precise and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they obtained" functions as a verb phrase, with "they" as the subject and "obtained" as the verb. It indicates the action of acquiring or gaining possession of something. Ludwig examples showcase this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they obtained" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of acquiring or gaining something. It's grammatically sound and prevalent across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English. When aiming for a more professional or precise tone, consider using "they obtained" over more casual alternatives such as "they got". Remember to select synonyms like "they acquired" or "they secured" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they acquired

Focuses more on the process of gaining possession or control.

they attained

Implies a high level of achievement or effort in reaching a goal.

they secured

Emphasizes the effort or competition involved in getting something.

they achieved

Focuses on the successful completion of a task or goal.

they gained

Suggests a gradual accumulation or benefit received over time.

they procured

Suggests obtaining something, often through careful planning or effort.

they received

Highlights the act of being given something, often without significant effort.

they derived

Indicates obtaining something as a result or consequence of something else.

they collected

Implies gathering or assembling something, often in multiple instances.

they accessed

Focuses on the ability to use or view something, especially information or resources.

FAQs

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

Use "they obtained" to describe how a group acquired something, such as "They obtained the necessary permits for the project" or "They obtained valuable insights from the research".

What can I say instead of "they obtained"?

You can use alternatives like "they acquired", "they secured", or "they received" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "they obtained" or "they got" in formal writing?

"They obtained" is generally more suitable for formal writing as it conveys a more professional and precise tone compared to the more casual "they got".

What is the difference between "they obtained" and "they achieved"?

"They obtained" refers to the act of acquiring something, while "they achieved" implies the successful completion of a goal or task, often requiring significant effort and skill.