we procured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we procured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of obtaining or acquiring something, often in a formal or business context. Example: "After extensive research, we procured the necessary materials to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

We procured 1,395kg of rice.

The Guardian

Private markets for tuberculosis drugs — where we procured our samples — are often easier to access.

The New York Times

When the Marines had a requirement for a similar system, they evaluated ours, and after we made some improvements and modifications for their application, we procured the most recent contract".

The New York Times

McGlunk, the famous right tackle was our first student... How we procured four teen players at a yearly pay roll of $50,000 is more a question of high banking... View Article By Rivka Galchen By Ben Taub By Malcolm Gladwell By David Remnick.

The New Yorker

McGlunk, the famous right tackle was our first student... How we procured four teen players at a yearly pay roll of $50,000 is more a question of high banking... View Article By Miranda Carter By Jia Tolentino By Doreen St. Félix By George Packer.

The New Yorker

"How does that one always get a spot in the front row?" We stood on painted numbers that corresponded to the numbered lines of a strictly limited reservation sheet, which we procured by calling relentlessly at the crack of 9 every morning, punching redial on our chunky portable phones for what seemed like the thousandth time, until we made it past the busy signal and on to a harried receptionist.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"When we procure exclusive handsets from our vendors, we typically buy hundreds of thousands or even millions of each device.

The New York Times

The problem is that we procure these public goods and services from markets that operate for private profit.

The New York Times

It was argued that the current way we procure things is simply not capable of coping with solutions that require collaboration between many different sectors and technologies.

The Guardian

Now, out of our daily sales of 850 tons of fresh fruits and vegetables, we procure 200 tons from about 80 local farms".

The New York Times

The prime minister said his ministers had been working for months to help the industry, "to make sure that we procure British steel for our ships and for other vital industries in the UK".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we procured" in formal and business contexts when you want to emphasize the act of obtaining something through careful means, like a formal purchase or acquisition. It is preferable to use "we bought" if you are referring to simple purchases.

Common error

Avoid using "we procured" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. In such cases, simpler alternatives like "we got" or "we found" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we procured" functions as a verb phrase, where "we" is the subject pronoun and "procured" is the main verb in the past tense. It signifies a completed action of obtaining something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we procured" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate that a group has obtained something through a deliberate process. As Ludwig AI validates, it is appropriate for formal contexts like business, science, and news reporting. While less common in everyday conversation, its usage effectively communicates a careful acquisition process. Remember to consider the register of your writing and choose simpler alternatives if a less formal tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we acquired

Replaces "procured" with a more common synonym, slightly reducing formality.

we obtained

Similar to "acquired", offering a less formal alternative to "procured".

we secured

Emphasizes the effort in obtaining something, implying it might have been competitive.

we purchased

Specifically indicates obtaining something through buying.

we attained

Suggests a level of achievement in obtaining something, adding a sense of accomplishment.

we gathered

Implies collecting items from various sources.

we collected

Similar to "gathered", but can also refer to abstract things like data or information.

we came by

Informal way to say "obtained", suitable for less formal contexts.

we laid hold of

A more archaic and emphatic way of saying "obtained".

we got hold of

An informal way to express obtaining something, suggesting it might have been difficult.

FAQs

What does "we procured" mean?

The phrase "we procured" means that a group or organization has obtained something, usually through formal means such as purchasing or acquiring it. It implies a deliberate and careful process.

When is it appropriate to use "we procured"?

It's appropriate to use "we procured" in formal settings, such as business reports, scientific papers, or official communications. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "we got" or "we obtained" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "we procured"?

Some alternatives to "we procured" include "we acquired", "we obtained", "we secured", "we purchased", or simply "we bought", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

How does "we procured" differ from "we purchased"?

While both phrases indicate obtaining something, "we procured" implies a more formal and careful process than "we purchased". "Procured" suggests a deliberate effort to acquire something, while "purchased" simply means something was bought.