- Do you ever feel unsure whether to say “get information” or “obtain information”?
- Struggling to sound natural when talking about acquiring something in English?
- Wish there was a simple way to know which words pair perfectly with “obtain”?
Mastering collocations is a game-changer for English fluency. Instead of translating word-for-word, learning these natural word pairings helps you sound authentic, communicate clearly, and significantly reduces language anxiety. This guide will help you confidently use “obtain” in various contexts, enhancing your vocabulary and precision.
Common Collocations with Obtain as a Verb
“Obtain” is a transitive verb, meaning it generally takes a direct object. It implies getting something, often through effort, request, or a formal process. While its meaning is similar to “get” or “acquire,” “obtain” is typically used in more formal, official, or administrative contexts.
Obtaining Information and Knowledge
When you seek out and gather facts, data, or understanding.
- Obtain information: We need to obtain information from various sources before making a decision.
- Obtain data: Researchers are working to obtain data on climate change impacts.
- Obtain knowledge: Through extensive reading, she managed to obtain vast knowledge about ancient civilizations.
- Obtain evidence: The police worked diligently to obtain sufficient evidence to support their case.
- Obtain feedback: It’s crucial to obtain feedback from customers to improve our services.
Obtaining Formal Approval or Permission
Refers to securing official consent or authorization.
- Obtain consent: You must obtain consent from all participants before recording the session.
- Obtain approval: The project leader needs to obtain approval from the board for the budget increase.
- Obtain permission: Visitors must obtain permission before entering restricted areas.
- Obtain a permit: We had to obtain a permit to build an extension on our house.
- Obtain a license: To drive commercially, you must obtain a special license.
Obtaining Resources and Documents
Used when acquiring tangible items, funds, or official papers.
- Obtain a copy: Please obtain a copy of the report for each team member.
- Obtain a document: She traveled to the capital to obtain a crucial document from the archives.
- Obtain funding: The startup is trying to obtain funding from investors.
- Obtain a loan: Many students need to obtain a loan to cover tuition fees.
- Obtain a visa: It can take several weeks to obtain a visa for certain countries.
- Obtain a degree: After four years of study, he managed to obtain a degree in engineering.
Obtaining Advantages or Outcomes
Refers to achieving beneficial results or positions.
- Obtain results: The team worked hard to obtain positive results in the competition.
- Obtain an advantage: Knowing the local language can help you obtain an advantage when traveling.
- Obtain success: With perseverance, you can obtain success in your endeavors.
- Obtain a position: She hoped to obtain a position as a senior researcher.
- Obtain employment: It can be challenging for recent graduates to obtain employment in their field.
Manner of Obtaining
Adverbs that describe how something is obtained.
- Easily obtain: Some rare items are surprisingly easy to obtain if you know where to look.
- Difficult to obtain: High-security clearances are often difficult to obtain.
- Successfully obtain: They managed to successfully obtain the necessary resources.
- Attempt to obtain: He decided to attempt to obtain a scholarship.
- Seek to obtain: The organization continues to seek to obtain charitable donations.
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| obtain information | Verb + Noun | Get facts or data |
| obtain consent | Verb + Noun | Get formal agreement |
| obtain a permit | Verb + Noun | Get official authorization |
| obtain funding | Verb + Noun | Secure financial support |
| obtain a visa | Verb + Noun | Acquire travel permission |
| obtain results | Verb + Noun | Achieve outcomes |
| easily obtain | Adverb + Verb | Get something without much effort |
| difficult to obtain | Adjective + Verb | Hard to get or acquire |
| seek to obtain | Verb + Verb | Try to get or achieve |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
Using “obtain” correctly often involves choosing it over simpler verbs like “get” when the context demands formality or a specific process. Avoid overly literal translations from your native language.
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| I need to get some consent. (Less formal) | I need to obtain consent. (More appropriate for formal situations) |
| It’s hard to get a license. (Informal) | It’s difficult to obtain a license. (More formal and precise) |
| They wanted to get an advantage. (Can sound less sophisticated) | They wanted to obtain an advantage. (Adds a formal tone) |
| We finally got the funding. (Casual) | We finally obtained the funding. (Better for reports, business) |
| He tries to get information. (Simple, but “obtain” adds nuance) | He seeks to obtain information. (Implies a more deliberate effort) |
In a recent project, our team faced the challenge of needing to obtain extensive data for market analysis. We had to first obtain consent from several organizations to use their proprietary figures. It proved quite difficult to obtain a permit for some sensitive records, but after persistent effort, we managed to successfully obtain all the information required. This allowed us to obtain accurate results, which ultimately helped us obtain an advantage over our competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Obtain Collocations
What is the difference between “obtain” and “get”?
“Obtain” is generally more formal and often implies an effort, process, or a more significant acquisition. “Get” is a versatile and common verb that can be used in almost any context, formal or informal, but it lacks the precise, formal nuance of “obtain.” For example, you “get a coffee” but you “obtain approval.”
Can I use “obtain” with any noun?
While “obtain” can precede many nouns, it collocates best with nouns that represent things acquired through effort, process, or formality. Examples include information, consent, a degree, funding, a permit, approval, evidence, etc. It sounds unnatural with very common, everyday items like “obtain a pen” or “obtain a sandwich.”
Is “obtain” an active or passive verb?
“Obtain” is an active, transitive verb. This means it usually requires a direct object (the thing being obtained), e.g., “The company *obtained a license*.” It can also be used in the passive voice, e.g., “A license *was obtained* by the company.”
Are there any common prepositions used with “obtain”?
While “obtain” itself doesn’t typically take a direct preposition (you don’t “obtain for” or “obtain from” in the same way you “get from”), it is often followed by “from” when indicating the source of what was obtained, e.g., “We obtained the data *from* a reliable source.” You might also see “obtain through” (meaning by means of), e.g., “He obtained the degree *through* hard work.”
Can “obtain” be used to talk about people?
No, “obtain” is generally used for inanimate objects, abstract concepts, or formal documents/permissions. You would not typically “obtain a person.” You might “obtain an interview” with a person, but not “obtain the person” themselves.
My biggest challenge is remembering these collocations when speaking spontaneously. Any mnemonic devices or practice tips you can recommend?
That's a common challenge, Priya! For 'obtain' collocations, try creating short, memorable sentences for each: 'I must obtain information for my report.' 'The police work to obtain evidence.' Repetition and speaking these sentences aloud regularly can help. Also, flashcards with the collocation on one side and its meaning/example on the other are very effective for active recall. Practice makes perfect!
I'm always trying to avoid overusing 'get'. This article provides perfect alternatives. Any other tips for varying vocabulary like this?
That's a fantastic goal, Kenji! To avoid overusing 'get,' focus on context-specific verbs. For example, instead of 'get better,' consider 'improve' or 'recover.' Instead of 'get angry,' use 'become angry' or 'furious.' Regularly using a thesaurus (with caution to check collocations!) and reading widely can also introduce you to more precise verbs. Keep up the excellent work!
Is 'obtain a degree' a good collocation? Or 'get a degree' is better in daily speech?
Both 'obtain a degree' and 'get a degree' are correct, Lena, but they differ in formality. 'Obtain a degree' is more formal and often used in official university documents, academic records, or professional résumés. 'Get a degree' is perfectly common and natural in everyday conversation. Choose based on your context!
The example 'obtain sufficient evidence' really highlights the legal/formal context. Very useful for someone studying law like me in the UK.
That's an excellent connection, Javier! 'Obtain sufficient evidence' is indeed a cornerstone phrase in legal contexts. Understanding these specific collocations can significantly boost your precision and confidence in academic and professional settings, especially in a field like law. Good luck with your studies!
I love these guides! They really help me refine my English. The examples are always so clear. Keep them coming, Translateen.com!
Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Rina! We're delighted that our guides are helping you refine your English. Your encouragement means a lot to us, and we're committed to bringing you more clear and helpful content!
Are there any phrasal verbs with 'obtain' that I should know? I'm trying to expand my knowledge beyond common ones.
That's a great question, Chloe! Unlike verbs such as 'get,' 'obtain' doesn't commonly form phrasal verbs. It tends to be used as a standalone transitive verb. This is another characteristic that highlights its more formal and direct nature compared to more versatile, often less formal, verbs like 'get' with its numerous phrasal verb combinations.
How important is it to use 'obtain' versus 'get' in business English? Will I sound unprofessional if I always stick to 'get'?
In business English, using 'obtain' where appropriate (e.g., 'obtain approval,' 'obtain data,' 'obtain funding') can certainly make you sound more professional and precise. While 'get' is acceptable in many informal business conversations, opting for 'obtain' in formal emails, reports, or presentations demonstrates a stronger command of the language and adds a polished touch. It's a nuance that can make a positive impression!
This is fantastic! I always just said 'get' for everything. Now I feel like I have a new tool to sound more sophisticated in English. Thanks a lot!
That's wonderful to hear, Anya! Expanding your vocabulary beyond common verbs like 'get' is a fantastic way to add precision and sophistication to your English. Remember to consider the context for 'obtain' – formality is key! Keep up the great work!
Can 'obtain' be used for tangible items, like 'obtain a new car' or is it mostly for abstract things like information and knowledge?
That's a very insightful question, David! While 'obtain' *can* be used for tangible items, it's usually in more formal, official, or administrative contexts, such as 'obtain a visa,' 'obtain a license,' or 'obtain supplies.' For a casual purchase like a car, 'buy a car' or 'get a new car' would be much more natural. It's about formality and the nature of the acquisition.
I've heard 'obtain permission.' Is that a common one too? Or 'get permission' is more usual?
Yes, Sofia, 'obtain permission' is a very common and appropriate collocation, especially in formal, legal, or administrative contexts. 'Get permission' is fine for informal situations, but 'obtain permission' is definitely preferred when you need to sound more official or formal. Great example!