went to procure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "went to procure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of going somewhere to obtain or acquire something. Example: "She went to procure the necessary supplies for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

LETTER FROM CANADA about newspaper publisher Conrad Black and the lengths to which he went to procure a title and a seat in the British House of Lords… Tells how Black had by the late nineties acquired most of the daily newspapers in Canada….

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, December 17, 2001 P. 62 LETTER FROM CANADA about newspaper publisher Conrad Black and the lengths to which he went to procure a title and a seat in the British House of Lords… Tells how Black had by the late nineties acquired most of the daily newspapers in Canada….

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I'm going to procure something caffeinated.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm in the Jimmy Choo suite, where stylists go to procure shoes for their clients to wear to the ceremony, be photographed sporting, and thereby allowing everyone to live happily ever after, amen.

The Guardian - Film

UNICEF is going to procure blended food to supply children and women over the next three months.

Unicef

(Midwife, 12 years' experience) The abortions they go to procure are very unsafe and they end up with them here, disturbing you.

BMC Health Services Research

In early 1992 Boris Yeltsin issued a decree legalizing the sale of consumer goods by individuals, and some individuals cut the decree out of the newspaper, pinned it to their clothes to ward off police, and went out to procure scarce goods for resale.

The New Yorker

Kennedy soon went out to procure a bottle of whiskey.

Vice

The regulator went to court in order to procure documents from Kenneth Lay, the former energy trader's erstwhile chief executive.

The Economist

In recounting all this, I am strangely conscious of how often I did not particularly like the food I went to such great lengths to procure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

From China, Gupta went to Japan to try to procure arms and to enlist Japanese support for the Indian independence movement.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "went to procure" when you want to emphasize a deliberate effort to obtain something, often implying a formal or strategic process. Consider the formality of the context; "procure" is generally more formal than "get" or "fetch".

Common error

Avoid using "procure" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "get", "obtain", or "find" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went to procure" functions as a purpose clause, indicating the reason or goal behind someone's action of going somewhere. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples, showcasing instances where individuals travelled to procure items or information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "went to procure" is a grammatically correct and functional expression used to indicate the purpose of someone's journey or action, highlighting their intent to acquire something. While appropriate in formal and business contexts, it may sound overly formal in casual conversations. Ludwig showcases examples across various authoritative sources, but it's essential to consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase. Understanding its subtle nuances and selecting appropriate alternatives like "went to get" or "went to obtain", when necessary, will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went to obtain

Focuses on formally acquiring something, slightly more neutral than "procure".

went to acquire

Emphasizes gaining possession of something, whether physically or abstractly.

went to secure

Highlights the effort to guarantee possession or availability of something.

went to fetch

Implies a short trip to retrieve something that is readily available.

went to get

A more general and informal way of saying "went to procure".

went shopping for

Specifically refers to purchasing goods or services.

set out to find

Emphasizes the search or quest for something specific.

endeavored to acquire

A more formal way, suggesting that the person is making significant effort to get something.

made an effort to obtain

Highlights the work and effort put into getting something.

sought to gain possession of

Focuses on the intent of owning something.

FAQs

What does "went to procure" mean?

The phrase "went to procure" means that someone traveled to a specific location or took certain actions with the intention of obtaining or acquiring something, often suggesting a formal or deliberate process.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "went to procure"?

It is appropriate to use "went to procure" in formal writing, business contexts, or when emphasizing the effort or strategic nature of obtaining something. Simpler terms like "went to get" or "went to obtain" may be suitable in less formal scenarios.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "went to procure"?

Some alternatives to "went to procure" include "went to acquire", "went to obtain", "went to secure", "went to fetch", or "went to get", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "went to procure" too formal for everyday conversations?

Yes, "went to procure" can sound too formal for everyday conversations. In casual settings, it's generally better to use simpler and more common alternatives like "went to get" or "went to find".