Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
to be obtained
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"to be obtained" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express that something will be acquired in some way. For example: "The necessary supplies for the project are to be obtained from the store downtown."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Encyclopedias
Formal & Business
Wiki
Alternative expressions(20)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
to be obtained.
Human α-OX-40 antibody was unable to be obtained.
Science & Research
This allows an accurate target signature to be obtained.
Academia
Secondly, PFC needs to be obtained.
Science
There were green cards, medical licenses, and language skills still to be obtained.
News & Media
Financing may need to be obtained, and other consents may be warranted.
News & Media
To install the work, permission had to be obtained from Tishman Speyer, the auction house's landlord.
News & Media
Singers still recognize the valuable experience to be obtained from a contract at a German theater.
News & Media
Temporary pumps had to be obtained from out of state.
News & Media
Slaves continued to be obtained in war and through trade.
Encyclopedias
This is unfortunate, for there are practical benefits indeed to be obtained.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "to be obtained", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what will obtain the item. Clarity prevents ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid overusing "to be obtained" in contexts where active voice would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "Permission needs to be obtained", consider "You must obtain permission."
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "to be obtained" functions as a passive infinitive, often used to indicate that something is required or necessary to be acquired. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used.
Frequent in
Science
25%
News & Media
23%
Academia
16%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
11%
Formal & Business
9%
Wiki
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "to be obtained" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive infinitive construction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is frequently encountered in academic, scientific, news, and general writing to express the necessity of acquiring something. While versatile, careful attention should be paid to avoid overuse in favor of more direct active voice constructions when appropriate. Related phrases include "to be acquired", "to be secured", and "to be attained". Remember to clarify who or what will do the obtaining and avoid overuse in passive voice for clearer writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
to be acquired
Focuses on the act of gaining possession or control of something.
to be secured
Emphasizes the effort in making something safe or certain to get.
to be attained
Highlights the achievement or reaching of a certain level or goal.
to be realized
Focuses on bringing something into existence or making it a reality.
to be derived
Highlights the extraction or obtaining something from a source.
to be accessed
Emphasizes the ability to gain entry or use something.
to be collected
Focuses on gathering or accumulating something over time.
to be achieved
Highlights the accomplishment of something through effort or skill.
to be procured
Emphasizes the effort and care put into getting something, often something difficult to get.
to be generated
Focuses on the creation or production of something.
FAQs
How can I use "to be obtained" in a sentence?
Use "to be obtained" to indicate that something needs to be acquired or gained. For example, "The data needs "to be obtained" before the analysis can begin."
What are some alternatives to "to be obtained"?
Alternatives include "to be acquired", "to be secured", or "to be attained", depending on the specific context.
Is "to be obtained" formal or informal?
"To be obtained" is generally considered neutral to formal and is suitable for a variety of contexts, including academic, professional, and general writing.
How does the meaning of "to be obtained" differ from "to obtain"?
"To obtain" is an active infinitive, indicating the act of getting something, whereas "to be obtained" is a passive infinitive, indicating that something will be received or acquired by someone or something else.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested