Achieve vs Attain: Differences And Uses For Each One

Do you struggle with choosing between the words “achieve” and “attain”? Many people use them interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in their meanings that can make a big impact on your writing. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of these two words and help you determine which one is the best fit for your writing.

Let’s clarify the definitions of each word. “Achieve” means to successfully reach a desired goal or outcome through hard work and effort. “Attain,” on the other hand, means to gain or acquire something, often through one’s own efforts or actions.

While these definitions may seem similar, the difference lies in the connotation of each word. “Achieve” implies a sense of accomplishment and success, while “attain” suggests more of a process or journey towards a goal. Depending on the context of your writing, one word may be more appropriate than the other.

Throughout this article, we’ll explore the various ways in which “achieve” and “attain” can be used, as well as provide tips for choosing the right word in different situations.

Define Achieve

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the verb achieve means “to carry out successfully: accomplish”. It implies reaching a specific goal or objective through hard work, effort, and determination. Achieving something requires a clear plan, a set of actions, and a measurable outcome. It often involves overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, and demonstrating skills or abilities. Achieving can refer to both short-term and long-term accomplishments, such as winning a game, graduating from college, or building a successful career.

Define Attain

The verb attain, on the other hand, means “to reach or come to a place, condition, or state of being”. It suggests a more gradual or natural process of reaching a desired outcome, rather than a deliberate or intentional effort. Attaining something may involve acquiring knowledge, skills, or experience over time, or simply waiting for the right opportunity to arise. Attaining can also refer to achieving a level of status, recognition, or respect, such as becoming a leader, earning a reputation, or gaining acceptance into a community. Unlike achieving, attaining may not always involve a clear goal or a specific outcome, but rather a sense of fulfillment or satisfaction.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can make a significant difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your message. Two commonly confused words are “achieve” and “attain.” While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect the context of your sentence. In this section, we will explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Achieve” In A Sentence

The word “achieve” is often used to describe the successful completion of a specific goal or objective. It implies that the result was obtained through hard work, dedication, and effort. Here are some examples of how to use “achieve” in a sentence:

• After years of hard work, she finally achieved her dream of becoming a doctor.
• The team worked tirelessly to achieve their goal of winning the championship.
• He was able to achieve financial success through his determination and perseverance.

As you can see from these examples, “achieve” is typically used to describe a specific accomplishment or outcome that required effort and dedication to attain.

How To Use “Attain” In A Sentence

The word “attain” is similar to “achieve,” but it is often used to describe the acquisition of something that is more abstract or intangible, such as knowledge or a particular state of being. Here are some examples of how to use “attain” in a sentence:

• She was able to attain a deep understanding of the subject through years of study.
• He worked hard to attain a sense of inner peace and happiness.
• The company was able to attain its goals by focusing on innovation and creativity.

As you can see from these examples, “attain” is often used to describe the acquisition of something that is not necessarily tangible or measurable. It can also be used to describe a state of being or a particular quality that has been achieved through effort and dedication.

More Examples Of Achieve & Attain Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the differences between “achieve” and “attain”, let’s take a look at some examples of how these words can be used in sentences.

Examples Of Using “Achieve” In A Sentence

• After years of hard work, she was finally able to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.
• The company’s goal is to achieve a 20% increase in sales this year.
• He was able to achieve a perfect score on the exam thanks to his diligent studying.
• She hopes to achieve financial independence by the time she turns 40.
• It took a lot of effort, but we were able to achieve our objective.
• He was determined to achieve success in his chosen career.
• With the right mindset and attitude, anyone can achieve their goals.
• She was thrilled to achieve her personal best in the race.
• The team worked together to achieve a record-breaking performance.
• He was honored to achieve recognition for his contributions to the field.

Examples Of Using “Attain” In A Sentence

• After years of hard work, she was able to attain the rank of CEO.
• He hopes to attain a higher level of education in order to advance his career.
• The company was able to attain its financial goals for the quarter.
• She was finally able to attain the level of fitness she had been striving for.
• Through hard work and dedication, he was able to attain a position of leadership within the company.
• She was determined to attain success in her new business venture.
• He was able to attain his goal of completing the marathon in under three hours.
• The team worked tirelessly to attain their objective of winning the championship.
• She was thrilled to attain recognition for her contributions to the community.
• With perseverance and determination, anyone can attain their dreams.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using achieve and attain, there are several common mistakes that people make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication, so it’s important to be aware of them and avoid them whenever possible.

Using Achieve And Attain Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using achieve and attain interchangeably. While these two words may seem similar, they have distinct meanings that should not be confused.

Achieve	Attain
To successfully reach a goal or objective	To gain or obtain something through effort or skill

For example, you might achieve a promotion at work after working hard and demonstrating your skills. On the other hand, you might attain a new skill or knowledge through studying and practice.

Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. For example, if you say that you attained a promotion, it might be unclear whether you gained the promotion through your own efforts or if it was simply handed to you. Similarly, if you say that you achieved a new skill, it might not be clear whether you gained the skill through your own hard work or if it was simply given to you.

Tips For Avoiding Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to be aware of the differences between achieve and attain. Here are some tips to help you use these words correctly:

• Think about the specific action you are describing. If you are talking about successfully reaching a goal or objective, use achieve. If you are talking about gaining or obtaining something through effort or skill, use attain.
• Consider the context of the sentence. Is it clear what you are trying to say? If not, consider using a different word or rephrasing the sentence.
• Read your writing out loud to check for clarity and accuracy. If something sounds off, it might be a sign that you are using the wrong word.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid common mistakes and use achieve and attain correctly in your writing and communication.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “achieve” and “attain” can be dependent on the context in which they are used. Both words have similar meanings, but there are subtle differences that can alter the intended message. Understanding the context of the sentence is crucial in making the right choice between these two words.

Context Examples

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “achieve” and “attain” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Word Choice
Career Goals	She wants to ______ her dream of becoming a CEO.	achieve
Academic Goals	He hopes to ______ a perfect score on his exam.	attain
Physical Goals	He worked hard to ______ a healthy body weight.	achieve
Personal Growth	She wants to ______ inner peace through meditation.	attain

In the context of career goals, “achieve” is the better choice because it implies actively working towards a goal. On the other hand, “attain” is a better choice in academic goals as it implies reaching a specific target. For physical goals, “achieve” is the better choice because it implies putting in effort to reach a desired outcome. In personal growth, “attain” is the better choice because it implies reaching a state of being.

It is important to note that the choice between “achieve” and “attain” is not always clear-cut and can depend on the writer’s intended meaning. However, understanding the context of the sentence can help in making the right choice between these two words.

Exceptions To The Rules

While there are general rules for using achieve and attain, there are exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some cases where the use of these words might differ from the norm:

1. Achieve As A Noun

Generally, achieve is used as a verb and attain is used as a noun. However, there are instances where achieve can be used as a noun. For example:

• His achieve was recognized by the entire industry.
• She made a great achieve in her career.

In these cases, achieve is used to refer to a specific accomplishment or success.

2. Attain In Legal And Formal Contexts

Attain is often used in legal and formal contexts where achieve might not be appropriate. For example:

• The defendant was unable to attain a fair trial due to media coverage.
• He was finally able to attain his citizenship after years of waiting.

In these cases, attain is used to refer to achieving a specific legal or formal status.

3. Achieve In Sports

In sports, achieve is often used to refer to winning or achieving a specific goal. For example:

• The team achieved victory in the championship game.
• He achieved his personal best time in the race.

In these cases, achieve is used to refer to a specific accomplishment or success in a sporting context.

While achieve and attain generally follow specific rules of usage, there are exceptions where the use of these words might differ. It’s important to consider the context and intended meaning when deciding which word to use.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of achieve and attain is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some exercises to help you do just that:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of achieve or attain:

1. She has been working hard to ________ her goals.
2. He hopes to ________ success in his new business venture.
3. It is important to set realistic goals that are possible to ________.
4. With dedication and hard work, anyone can ________ their dreams.

Answer Key:

1. achieve
2. attain
3. attain
4. achieve

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences with achieve or attain:

1. It is important to set goals that are challenging but still possible to ________.
2. With hard work and dedication, you can ________ anything you set your mind to.
3. He has been working hard to ________ his dream of becoming a doctor.
4. She was able to ________ her goals by staying focused and motivated.

Answer Key:

1. attain
2. attain
3. achieve
4. achieve

By practicing these exercises, you will become more comfortable using achieve and attain in your writing and speaking. Keep in mind that achieve is often used to describe the accomplishment of a specific goal, while attain is more commonly used to describe the acquisition of something such as knowledge or a skill. With practice, you will be able to use these words with confidence and precision.

Conclusion

After reading this article, it is clear that there is a distinct difference between the verbs “achieve” and “attain.” While they are often used interchangeably, “achieve” implies a sense of hard work and effort put in to reach a goal, while “attain” suggests a more passive acquisition of something.

It is important to understand the nuances of these words in order to communicate effectively and accurately. By using the correct word, you can convey a clearer message and avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn. Whether you are a native speaker or learning English as a second language, it is important to continue expanding your knowledge and improving your language use.

By taking the time to study and practice, you can enhance your communication skills and achieve your goals, both personally and professionally.