was obtained by

USAGE SUMMARY

'was obtained by' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone achieving something or receiving something. For example: "The document was obtained by the lawyer during the investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The video was obtained by the Sun.

The Guardian

A draft was obtained by The New York Times.

The New York Times

A copy was obtained by The Associated Press.

The New York Times

A copy was obtained by The New York Times.

The New York Times

The letter, dated Friday, was obtained by The Associated Press.

The New York Times

A recording of their conversation was obtained by the Guardian.

The Guardian

Plasma was obtained by centrifugation.

EJNMMI Research

Hardness was obtained by nanoindentation.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Anesthesia was obtained by axillary nerve block.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Multi-resolution was obtained by filter banks.

Brain Informatics

The letter was obtained by HuffPost.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was obtained by", ensure that the subject clearly identifies who or what performed the action of obtaining. For example, "The data was obtained by researchers using surveys."

Common error

Avoid using "was obtained by" in sentences where the actor is unclear or omitted. Overuse of passive voice can make writing vague and less engaging. Try rephrasing with an active voice for directness when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was obtained by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating how something was acquired or received. It shifts the focus from the actor to the object that was acquired. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was obtained by" is a grammatically sound passive construction frequently employed across various domains to denote how something was acquired. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. It commonly appears in scientific and news contexts, emphasizing the acquisition process or the acquiring entity, with a generally neutral tone. While similar phrases like "was acquired through" or "was secured by" can be used, it's important to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguous passive voice constructions. By following best practices, writers can effectively use "was obtained by" to convey information about acquisition processes while avoiding common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was acquired through

Emphasizes the process or means through which something was obtained.

was secured by

Suggests a more deliberate effort to gain possession or access.

was attained via

Highlights the specific method or channel used for obtaining something.

was achieved through

Focuses on the accomplishment and effort involved in obtaining something.

was procured by

Implies a more formal or official acquisition process.

was derived from

Indicates the source or origin from which something was obtained.

was accessed by

Highlights the ability to gain entry or use of something.

was gathered by

Implies a collection or compilation process in obtaining something.

was collected via

Focuses on the systematic gathering of data or items.

resulted from

Shows cause and effect where the obtaining is a result of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "was obtained by" in a sentence?

Use "was obtained by" when you want to emphasize the object received and the agent that obtained it, such as, "The information "was obtained by" investigators through careful research."

What's the difference between "was obtained by" and "was acquired by"?

"Was obtained by" and "was acquired by" are very similar, but "acquired" often implies a more deliberate or formal process. You might say "The painting "was acquired by" the museum", but "The sample "was obtained by" the lab technician."

What are some alternatives to using "was obtained by" in academic writing?

In academic writing, you can use alternatives like "was acquired through" or "was derived from" to maintain a formal tone, depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was obtained by"?

While "was obtained by" uses passive voice, consider if an active voice would be clearer. Instead of "The result "was obtained by" the team", you could write "The team obtained the result", which is more direct.