would like to acquire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would like to acquire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire to obtain something, whether it be a skill, item, or experience. Example: "I would like to acquire new skills to enhance my career prospects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Chernenko said his son's decision to split the collection into themed lots was because the whole collection was likely to be too expensive for the many enthusiasts who would like to acquire some of the photographs.

The Guardian - Film

Banca Intesa of Italy has said it would like to acquire the smaller Garanti.

The New York Times

Ash said he would like to acquire major league talent, which is also Phillips's goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Senior Chinese officials have said China would like to acquire an aircraft carrier to better defend its territory.

The New York Times

The Yankees would like to acquire Jaha or Sprague, regardless of whether they make the Sosa deal.

The New York Times - Sports

So you've never had a conversation with Jack Welch and Bob Wright about whether you would like to acquire NBC?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Lately, however, he's been paring it back to a more manageable 50 or so vehicles -- his official business here was selling his 1965 Shelby GT 350 Ford Mustang -- though he admitted to maintaining a list of models he'd like to acquire.

The New York Times

When asked how many people had tried to pick up Slack (#pun), he said, "No one ever says I'd like to acquire you period.

TechCrunch

I'm sure that they are offering a price knowing that some of the assets including the people that they'd like to acquire they will lose.

TechCrunch

In this scenario, prepared founders should have a shopping list of companies they'd like to acquire and be ready to pounce at an opportunity to make an attractive deal.

TechCrunch

Adds Derek Carter, head of trade publications and exhibitions and the EMAP person likely to lead the charge into the U.S: "We have a list of things we'd like to acquire in the U.S. We're getting to know the people who run them.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would like to acquire", consider the context and choose a synonym if a more formal or specific tone is needed. For example, "secure" might be better in a business context.

Common error

Avoid using "acquire" in very informal conversations where simpler words like "get" or "obtain" would sound more natural. "Acquire" often implies a deliberate and possibly complex process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would like to acquire" functions as a verb phrase expressing a desire or intention to obtain something. As noted by Ludwig, it is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would like to acquire" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a desire to obtain something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, from news and media to science and business. While versatile, it's essential to consider the specific context to ensure the tone aligns with the situation. Alternatives like "wish to obtain" or "desire to gain" may be more appropriate in formal settings, while simpler words like "get" might suffice in casual conversations. Remember to avoid overusing "acquire" in overly informal scenarios. Using Ludwig can further help in refining the phrase's application based on real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wish to obtain

More formal and direct, implying a strong desire to get something.

are looking to acquire

Focuses on the ongoing process of seeking to acquire something.

desire to gain

Emphasizes the benefit or advantage of acquiring something.

would be interested in acquiring

Indicates a potential or conditional interest in acquiring something.

aim to secure

Suggests effort and planning to acquire something, often implying competition.

are seeking to acquire

Formally expresses the act of searching and attempting to gain possession of something.

intend to procure

A more formal and sometimes bureaucratic way of saying "acquire".

hope to attain

Implies a level of difficulty or aspiration in achieving the acquisition.

have aspirations to acquire

Signifies a long-term goal or ambition to acquire something of significance.

plan to get

Informal and straightforward, indicating a clear intention to acquire something.

FAQs

How can I use "would like to acquire" in a sentence?

You can use "would like to acquire" to express a desire to obtain something, such as "I "would like to acquire new skills" to advance my career."

What are some alternatives to "would like to acquire"?

Alternatives include "wish to obtain", "desire to gain", or "aim to secure", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "would like to acquire" formal or informal?

"Would like to acquire" is generally considered more formal than phrases like "want to get", but less formal than "desire to procure".

Which is correct, "would like to acquire" or "would like acquiring"?

"Would like to acquire" is the correct form. "Would like acquiring" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts where you intend to express a desire to obtain something. Consider using "enjoy acquiring" in other contexts.