to gain access

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to gain access" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of obtaining permission or the means to enter or use something, such as a system, location, or information. Example: "In order to gain access to the secure database, you must enter your credentials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were able to gain access later.

Independent

A nearby terminal needs to be hacked to gain access.

The Guardian - Tech

They were hungry to gain access to the world.

The New York Times - Arts

Investigators hope to gain access to the site today.

The New York Times

They had only expected to gain access to £1m.

The Guardian

It was hard to gain access to see the apartment.

The New York Times

Men form coalitions to gain access to women.

The New York Times - Science

Worked to gain access to the Trump campaign through Papadopoulos.

The Washington Post

"Fire crews are attempting to gain access to evacuate passengers".

Independent

Investors clamored to gain access to the manager.

The New York Times

Treatment enabled him to gain access to college.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to gain access", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being accessed and the method or means by which access is obtained. For example, "To gain access to the building, you need a key card."

Common error

Avoid using "to gain access" without specifying the specific resource or system being accessed. For example, instead of saying "He needed to gain access", specify "He needed to gain access to the company's financial records."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to gain access" is as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial of purpose. As supported by Ludwig, it modifies a verb by explaining the reason or intention behind an action. This phrase indicates the aim of acquiring entry, permission, or the means to utilize something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to gain access" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the process of obtaining entry, permission, or means to utilize something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its applicability spans diverse contexts, from News & Media to Academia, signaling its widespread acceptance. When writing, ensure that the object of access is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "to obtain entry" or "to secure access" may provide nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, understanding the appropriate use of "to gain access" enhances clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to obtain entry

Focuses on the act of entering or getting into a place.

to secure access

Emphasizes the process of making access safe or guaranteed.

to acquire permission

Highlights obtaining the necessary authorization.

to get authorization

Similar to acquiring permission, but more direct.

to unlock entry

Suggests overcoming a barrier to gain entry.

to achieve admittance

A more formal way of saying to gain entrance.

to access

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the same concept.

to penetrate

Implies overcoming resistance to gain entry.

to crack

Suggests breaking through security or defenses.

to infiltrate

Implies gaining access covertly or secretly.

FAQs

How can I use "to gain access" in a sentence?

You can use "to gain access" to describe the process of obtaining entry or permission to something. For example, "You need a password to gain access to the system."

What are some alternatives to "to gain access"?

Alternatives include "to obtain entry", "to secure access", or simply "to access" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "gaining access" instead of "to gain access"?

Yes, "gaining access" can be used as a gerund or present participle, often in different grammatical constructions. For example, "Gaining access to the restricted area requires special clearance."

What's the difference between "to gain access" and "to have access"?

"To gain access" implies the act of obtaining entry or permission, whereas "to have access" indicates a state of already possessing the ability to enter or use something. For example, "You need to gain access first, and then you will have access."