to obtain information

USAGE SUMMARY

"to obtain information" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to talk about gathering data or knowledge. For example, "I plan to search online to obtain information about local job opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rawi had also helped MI5 to obtain information about Qatada.

The Guardian

Instead Sir Nicholas said it was used to obtain "information".

The Guardian

They beat us day after day to obtain information.

The Guardian

Sensors are needed to obtain information from the environment.

Stanford University

§ 107.620 Requirements to obtain information from Portfolio Concerns.

Cornell University

Other options should be plausible alternatives, such as "I wish to obtain information about travel requirements".

The Guardian

The summary said they "forced into asphyxiations numerous detainees in an attempt to obtain information".

The New York Times

It lists 29 different areas where they have been unable to obtain information.

The Guardian

Trying to obtain information about or even locate any of these diesel farms is hard.

The Guardian - Business

"We assume that there are organisations that want to obtain information, like the NSA.

The Guardian - Tech

The lawyer said he needed more time to obtain information from the prosecutor.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to obtain information" when you want to clearly state the purpose of an action is to gather or acquire knowledge or data. It is suitable for formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "to obtain information" in very casual conversations; simpler phrases like "to find out" or "to get info" are often more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to obtain information" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. As evidenced by Ludwig, it clarifies the intent behind an action, indicating that the goal is to acquire knowledge or data. Ludwig AI indicates that this is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to obtain information" is a versatile phrase used to express the purpose of acquiring knowledge or data. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While it is frequently seen in News & Media, Science and Academia, it is less common in more informal communications. Choosing synonyms like "to gather data" or "to find out" can help tailor your language to suit the specific context and audience. Remember to consider the register and formality of your communication when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking knowledge

Emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge.

for gathering data

Focuses on data collection rather than general information.

in order to learn

Emphasizes the learning aspect of acquiring information.

to gain insights

Focuses on gaining a deeper understanding.

to ascertain facts

Focuses on verifying factual information.

with the aim of finding out

Highlights the investigative intention.

in pursuit of understanding

Emphasizes the active pursuit of comprehension.

for data acquisition

Emphasizes the systematic collection of data.

for informational purposes

Highlights the purpose of providing information

with a view to discovering

Highlights the intention of uncovering new information.

FAQs

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

You can use "to obtain information" to express the purpose of an action. For example, "Researchers use surveys "to obtain information" about consumer preferences".

What are some alternatives to "to obtain information"?

Some alternatives include "to gather data", "to find out", or "to acquire knowledge", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to obtain information" or "to get information"?

"To obtain information" is more formal and suitable for professional or academic writing, while "to get information" is more casual. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and audience.

In what contexts is "to obtain information" most appropriate?

"To obtain information" is most appropriate in formal, academic, or professional settings where a clear and somewhat elevated tone is desired. In casual contexts, alternatives may be preferable.