to obtain

USAGE SUMMARY

"to obtain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the action of acquiring or getting something. Example: We must submit all the necessary documents in order to obtain a visa to travel to the United States.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tickets seemed impossible to obtain.

The New York Times - Sports

Membership is easy to obtain.

The New York Times - Travel

Good is easy to obtain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Details are difficult to obtain.

The Economist

to obtain the present site.

The New Yorker

Restraining orders are very hard to obtain.

The Economist

Queenie instructed Jessica to obtain an apple.

The New Yorker

So they are harder to obtain.

The Economist

And a promise to obtain a tattoo.

The New York Times

Visas have been harder to obtain.

The Economist

By making divorce harder to obtain?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to obtain", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being acquired and why. This adds clarity and purpose to your writing.

Common error

While "to obtain" is grammatically correct, overuse in informal writing can make your text sound stilted. In casual settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "to get" or "to find".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to obtain" functions as an infinitive of purpose, often introducing a clause that explains the reason for an action. Examples from Ludwig show it specifying intent, as in "Working to obtain nuclear weapons."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to obtain" is a versatile phrase used to express the purpose of acquiring something, often with a degree of formality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business writing. While simpler alternatives exist, "to obtain" is especially appropriate when precision or formality is desired. When writing, be mindful of the context and consider whether a more straightforward term like "get" might be more suitable for informal situations. Remember to clearly state what is being acquired to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intending to get

Simple and direct, focusing on the intention to acquire.

in order to acquire

More formal and emphasizes the purpose of acquisition.

in order to receive

Focuses on the act of being given something.

so as to secure

More formal, highlighting the effort to make something certain.

for the purpose of achieving

Emphasizes a specific goal or result.

in an effort to gain

Highlights the attempt or struggle involved in acquiring something.

with the purpose of getting

More descriptive and less formal.

aiming to procure

Formal and suggests careful planning to acquire something.

with a view to acquiring

Formal and suggests a long-term perspective.

as a means of attaining

Focuses on attaining something as part of a process.

FAQs

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

Use "to obtain" to indicate the action of getting or acquiring something, as in "We need to provide all documents "to obtain a visa"".

What are some alternatives to "to obtain"?

Alternatives include "to acquire", "to get", "to secure", or "to procure" depending on the context.

Is "to obtain" formal or informal?

"To obtain" leans towards the formal side but is versatile enough for neutral contexts. Simpler phrases are often better for informal settings.

When is it best to use "to obtain" over "to get"?

Use "to obtain" when you want to convey a sense of formality or when the process of acquisition is more complex or deliberate than simply "getting" something.