were obtainable for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were obtainable for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the availability of something in the past, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The resources were obtainable for those who met the eligibility criteria."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Dental records could have been consulted, but the examiner's office said none were obtainable for Mr. Guadalupe.

The New York Times

The properties of the MWNTs were similar to those of metals, and high dielectric constants were obtainable for the polymer/MWNTs with just a small weight percentage of MWNTs.

Nanoscale Research Letters

More importantly, the Framers charged every countryman, then and now, with the responsibility to ensure these ideals were obtainable for all people not a few.

Huffington Post

The failing antiretroviral regimens were known for most patients; however, complete antiretroviral treatment histories were obtainable for only 14 subjects in the study.

Plosone

SO2 emission data were obtainable for the oil refinery for only the first 15 days of June 2008.

BMC Public Health

Of the 24 breast carcinoma specimens studied, demographic data were obtainable for 23 female patients (Table 1).

Breast Cancer Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Complete coding sequences from genomic DNA are obtainable for 154 of these proteins; two others, with "Ns" in the genomic data, were obtained by sequencing RACE products.

BMC Genomics

However, for the following genes, only a single allele was obtainable for screening through donated lines or lines obtained from stock centers: Atg6, CamKI, Fs(2) Ket, Hr39, mei-9, Mi-2/l(3)L1243, NC2α, par-1, Past1, smooth, smid, Tango5; and the five non-annotated genes, l(3)j11B2, l(3)j6A6, l(3 L0499, l(3 L6332 and CG31630.

Human Molecular Genetics

This is obtainable for $14.95, including shipping, from Baron Barclay Bridge Supplies, [phone].

The New York Times - Arts

Custom-made sunglasses are obtainable for clients whose life style takes place outdoors (CustomEyes, rareframes.com, by appointment; $750-$750-$5,000

The New Yorker

It is more compact than a direct motor, so more power is obtainable for a specified motor size and weight; the 6,000-kg 6,000-kgpound) alternating-current motor in each truck of a modern French National Railways electric locomotive delivers a continuous 3,750 horsepower.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs if you want to emphasize the effort or process involved in acquiring something. For example, "were secured for" or "were acquired for" might be more appropriate in certain contexts.

Common error

Avoid assuming that if something "were obtainable for" a specific group or purpose, it was universally accessible. Clearly delineate the limitations of the availability to prevent misleading implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were obtainable for" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating the availability or accessibility of something under specific conditions in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

21%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were obtainable for" is a grammatically sound construction used to express that something was accessible or achievable under certain conditions in the past. Predominantly found in scientific and formal contexts, according to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. When using this phrase, it's important to specify the conditions or factors that made something obtainable and avoid assuming universal accessibility. Alternatives such as "were available for" or "could be acquired for" can be used depending on the intended nuance. This phrase is most common in science and news contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were accessible for

Focuses on the ease of access rather than the possibility of obtaining.

were available for

Indicates that something was ready and could be used or obtained.

could be acquired for

Emphasizes the act of acquiring something, suggesting a process.

could be gotten for

A more informal way of saying something was possible to obtain.

were procurable for

A more formal synonym for "obtainable", indicating something could be acquired with effort.

were achievable for

Shifts the focus to accomplishing or reaching a goal, rather than simply acquiring something.

were secured for

Highlights the effort involved in obtaining something, often implying competition or difficulty.

were realized for

Focuses on the actualization of something, emphasizing that it came into being.

were at hand for

Suggests immediate availability and readiness for use.

were within reach for

Implies that something was close to being obtained, suggesting potential but not certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "were obtainable for" in a sentence?

You can use "were obtainable for" to indicate that something was available or accessible under certain conditions in the past. For example, "The necessary permits "were obtainable for" the project after the environmental impact assessment was completed."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "were obtainable for"?

Similar phrases include "were available for", "could be acquired for", or "were accessible for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "were obtainable for" in formal writing?

"Were obtainable for" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to specify that something was achievable or accessible under particular circumstances in the past. It's suitable for academic, scientific, or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "were obtainable for" and "were obtained for"?

"Were obtainable for" implies the potential or possibility of acquiring something, whereas "were obtained for" indicates that something was actually acquired. For example, "The grants "were obtainable for" all eligible students" means the possibility existed, while "The grants "were obtained for" the research project" means the project successfully received the grants.