trying to obtain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to obtain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an effort or attempt to acquire something. Example: "She is trying to obtain the necessary permits for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And so I set about trying to obtain G. renardii.

The New York Times

He is also trying to obtain the military regime's files.

The Economist

It is in the process of trying to obtain the video itself.

The New York Times - Arts

But Western countries fear that Iran is trying to obtain a nuclear arsenal.

The New York Times

Officials also believe he was trying to obtain a job outside the F.B.I.

The New York Times

She was also convicted of official misconduct for trying to obtain the house.

The New York Times

He now needs an Internet connection, which his caseworker is trying to obtain.

The New York Times

Then Rodriguez laughed and was asked who told him about the Mets trying to obtain him.

The New York Times - Sports

We have been trying to obtain from Google proposals to overcome the difficulties and the concerns.

The Guardian - Tech

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

The Guardian - Business

The Giants were also trying to obtain Emergency Medical Services caps.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about efforts to get something intangible, consider alternatives like "seeking" or "striving" for a more sophisticated tone. For example, instead of "trying to obtain justice", you could say "seeking justice".

Common error

In formal writing, overuse of "trying to obtain" can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "attempting to acquire" or "endeavoring to secure" for a more polished and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to obtain" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun phrase that acts as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes the action of attempting to get or acquire something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trying to obtain" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that expresses an effort to acquire something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. While versatile, its formality is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, though more sophisticated alternatives may be preferred in formal writing. The phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media" and "Science" sources, highlighting its widespread use in conveying efforts to achieve or acquire something. Remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and select the most appropriate synonym for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to acquire

Formal alternative emphasizing a deliberate effort to gain something.

seeking to gain

Suggests an active search or pursuit to achieve a desired outcome.

working to secure

Emphasizes the effort and actions taken to ensure possession or attainment.

endeavoring to procure

A more formal and less common alternative, highlighting a dedicated effort to obtain something.

striving to achieve

Focuses on the effort and determination involved in reaching a specific goal or outcome.

aiming to acquire

Highlights the intention and direction of the effort towards acquiring something.

pursuing the acquisition of

Formal and emphasizes the process and active pursuit of obtaining something.

looking to get

More informal and direct, suggesting a simple desire to obtain something.

in the process of acquiring

Highlights that acquisition is underway, and may emphasize actions being taken to gain something.

taking steps to obtain

Emphasizes the specific actions and procedures being implemented to ensure obtainment.

FAQs

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

The phrase "trying to obtain" is used to describe an effort or attempt to get something. For example, "The company is trying to obtain funding for its new project."

What are some alternatives to "trying to obtain"?

You can use alternatives such as "attempting to acquire", "seeking to gain", or "working to secure" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "trying to obtain" or "trying to get"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "trying to obtain" is generally more formal than "trying to get". The best choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

What's the difference between "trying to obtain" and "attempting to acquire"?

While both phrases express a similar idea, "attempting to acquire" typically implies a more deliberate and strategic effort than "trying to obtain".