Acquire vs Obtain: The Main Differences And When To Use Them

When it comes to acquiring or obtaining something, which word should you use? Are they interchangeable? The answer is not as simple as a yes or no. Both words can be used to mean the same thing in certain contexts, but there are subtle differences that set them apart.

Acquire and obtain both refer to the act of gaining possession of something, but acquire implies a more intentional and deliberate effort, while obtain can refer to a more general and passive means of obtaining something.

Acquire means to gain or obtain something through one’s own efforts or actions. It suggests a purposeful and intentional effort to obtain something, often through hard work, negotiation, or exchange.

Obtain, on the other hand, means to come into possession of something through any means, whether active or passive. It can refer to something that is gained without much effort or intention, such as an inheritance or a gift.

Throughout this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and provide examples of when to use each one. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of when to use acquire vs obtain in your writing.

Define Acquire

Acquire is a verb that refers to the act of obtaining or gaining possession of something, either through purchase or other means. It can also refer to the process of developing or improving a particular skill or knowledge through practice or experience.

For example, a company might acquire another company in order to expand its operations or gain access to new markets. Similarly, an individual might acquire a new language by studying and practicing it regularly over a period of time.

Acquire is often used in business and legal contexts, where it is important to be precise about the nature and origin of the resources or assets being obtained.

Define Obtain

Obtain is a verb that refers to the act of getting or securing something, typically through effort or negotiation. It can also refer to the state of having or possessing something that has been acquired through these means.

For example, a person might obtain a job by submitting a strong application and performing well in an interview. Alternatively, a company might obtain a patent for a new invention by filing a successful application with the relevant government agency.

Obtain is often used in formal or technical contexts, where it is important to be clear and precise about the process or conditions under which something is acquired or secured.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words can make all the difference. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “acquire” and “obtain.” While they have similar meanings, there are subtle differences between the two that can affect the tone and clarity of your writing. Here’s how to use each word correctly in a sentence:

How To Use “Acquire” In A Sentence

“Acquire” is a verb that means to gain or obtain something through one’s own efforts or actions. It can also refer to the process of gaining knowledge or a skill. Here are some examples of how to use “acquire” in a sentence:

• He hopes to acquire a new car by saving up money from his job.
• She has been working hard to acquire the skills necessary for the job.
• The company plans to acquire a smaller competitor in order to expand its market share.

As you can see, “acquire” is often used in the context of obtaining something through effort or action. It can also be used to refer to gaining knowledge or a skill through study or practice.

How To Use “Obtain” In A Sentence

“Obtain” is also a verb that means to get or acquire something, but it is often used in a more formal or legal context. Here are some examples of how to use “obtain” in a sentence:

• The police were able to obtain a search warrant for the suspect’s house.
• She was able to obtain a loan from the bank to start her business.
• The company was unable to obtain the necessary permits to build the new factory.

As you can see, “obtain” is often used in the context of obtaining something through legal or formal means, such as obtaining a warrant or a loan. It can also be used to refer to obtaining something that is difficult to get or requires special effort.

More Examples Of Acquire & Obtain Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between acquire and obtain, it’s important to see how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples of both words used in context:

Examples Of Using Acquire In A Sentence

• He hopes to acquire a new skill set that will make him more marketable in his career.
• The company plans to acquire several smaller businesses in the coming year.
• She was able to acquire a rare book that had been out of print for years.
• It takes time and effort to acquire a new language.
• He was able to acquire a taste for spicy food after living in India for a year.
• She hopes to acquire enough knowledge to become an expert in her field.
• The museum was able to acquire a valuable painting by a famous artist.
• He was able to acquire a new car at a great price.
• The team was able to acquire a talented new player through a trade.
• She was able to acquire a scholarship to attend the prestigious university.

Examples Of Using Obtain In A Sentence

• He was able to obtain a copy of the report through a Freedom of Information Act request.
• The company was able to obtain a loan from the bank to fund its expansion.
• She was able to obtain a visa to travel to the foreign country.
• He was unable to obtain the necessary permits to build on the property.
• The police were able to obtain a warrant to search the suspect’s home.
• She hopes to obtain a degree in her chosen field.
• He was able to obtain a job offer from the company he had been pursuing.
• The organization was able to obtain funding from a generous donor.
• She was able to obtain a court order to protect her from her abusive partner.
• He was able to obtain a patent for his new invention.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “acquire” and “obtain,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should be used appropriately. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake 1: Using “Acquire” And “Obtain” As Synonyms

While both words refer to obtaining something, “acquire” implies a process of gaining or accumulating something over time, while “obtain” refers to simply getting something. For example, you might “acquire” a new skill through practice, but you “obtain” a certificate by passing a test. To avoid this mistake, be mindful of the context in which you are using the words and choose the appropriate one accordingly.

Mistake 2: Using “Acquire” When Referring To Intangible Things

“Acquire” is often used when referring to tangible things like property, assets, or skills. However, it is not appropriate to use “acquire” when referring to intangible things like information or knowledge. Instead, “obtain” is the correct word to use in such cases. For example, you might “obtain” information from a reliable source, but you cannot “acquire” information. To avoid this mistake, be mindful of the nature of the thing you are referring to and choose the appropriate word accordingly.

Mistake 3: Using “Obtain” When Referring To Illegal Or Unethical Means

While “obtain” is a neutral word that simply refers to getting something, it should not be used when referring to obtaining something through illegal or unethical means. In such cases, “acquire” is a more appropriate word to use. For example, you might “acquire” a rare artifact through legal means, but you cannot “obtain” it through theft. To avoid this mistake, be mindful of the connotations of the words you are using and choose the appropriate one accordingly.

To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to have a clear understanding of the meanings of “acquire” and “obtain” and to use them appropriately in the context in which they are being used. By doing so, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “acquire” and “obtain,” context is key. The appropriate usage of these words can depend on the specific context in which they are being used. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between acquire and obtain might change.

Business Context

In a business context, the choice between acquire and obtain can depend on the nature of the transaction. If a company is acquiring another company through a merger or acquisition, “acquire” is the appropriate term to use. This is because the process involves gaining ownership or control of the other company. On the other hand, if a company is obtaining goods or services from another company, “obtain” would be the more appropriate term. This is because the focus is on obtaining something that is needed, rather than gaining control or ownership.

Legal Context

In a legal context, the choice between acquire and obtain can depend on the specific legal transaction. For example, if a person is acquiring property through a legal transaction such as a purchase or transfer, “acquire” would be the appropriate term to use. However, if a person is obtaining a legal document such as a permit or license, “obtain” would be the more appropriate term to use. This is because the focus is on obtaining permission or authorization, rather than gaining ownership or control.

Everyday Context

In everyday language, the choice between acquire and obtain can depend on the specific situation. For example, if a person is talking about acquiring a new skill or knowledge, “acquire” would be the more appropriate term to use. This is because the focus is on gaining something that is not tangible. On the other hand, if a person is talking about obtaining a physical object such as a book or a piece of furniture, “obtain” would be the more appropriate term to use. This is because the focus is on obtaining something that is tangible.

Overall, the choice between “acquire” and “obtain” can depend on the specific context in which they are being used. It is important to understand the nuances of each word in order to use them appropriately and effectively.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using acquire and obtain are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. In certain contexts, one term may be more appropriate than the other, even if it doesn’t strictly adhere to the rules.

Exceptions For Acquire

Legal Usage: In legal contexts, the term “acquire” is often used to refer specifically to the process of obtaining property or assets through legal means, such as a purchase or transfer of ownership. In this case, “obtain” may be seen as too broad of a term.

Specialized Industries: In certain industries, such as technology or finance, “acquire” may be used more frequently to describe obtaining companies or intellectual property. For example, a technology company may acquire a smaller startup to gain access to their proprietary software.

Exceptions For Obtain

Medical Usage: In medical contexts, “obtain” is often used to describe the process of collecting samples or specimens for testing. For example, a doctor may obtain a blood sample from a patient to test for an illness.

Formal Language: In formal writing or speeches, “obtain” may be used to add a more elevated tone to the language. This is because “obtain” is seen as a more formal and precise term than “acquire.”

It’s important to note that these exceptions are not hard and fast rules, and the terms “acquire” and “obtain” can often be used interchangeably without issue. However, being aware of these exceptions can help you choose the most appropriate term for your specific context.

Practice Exercises

One effective way to improve your understanding and use of acquire and obtain is by practicing with exercises. Here are some practice exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (acquire or obtain) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. He was able to ________ a rare book at the library sale.
2. It took years of hard work to ________ his wealth.
3. She wanted to ________ a new skill, so she enrolled in a cooking class.
4. The company was able to ________ a large contract with a new client.
5. The police were able to ________ a confession from the suspect.

Answer Key:

1. acquire
2. obtain
3. acquire
4. obtain
5. obtain

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using either acquire or obtain:

Original Sentence	Rewritten Sentence
He got the job by asking his friend for a referral.
The company gained control of the market by buying out its competitors.
She received a scholarship for her outstanding academic achievements.

Answer Key:

Original Sentence	Rewritten Sentence
He ________ the job by asking his friend for a referral.	He ________ the job by acquiring a referral from his friend.
The company ________ control of the market by buying out its competitors.	The company ________ control of the market by obtaining its competitors’ businesses.
She ________ a scholarship for her outstanding academic achievements.	She ________ a scholarship for her outstanding academic achievements.

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of acquire and obtain in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and meaning of each word to choose the correct one for each sentence.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances between the words “acquire” and “obtain,” it is clear that these terms are not interchangeable. While both words refer to the act of obtaining something, “acquire” carries a connotation of obtaining something through effort or skill, while “obtain” simply refers to the act of obtaining something.

It is important to understand the subtle differences between words in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. By using the appropriate word in the appropriate context, you can convey your message clearly and accurately.

Key Takeaways:

• “Acquire” implies obtaining something through effort or skill, while “obtain” simply refers to the act of obtaining something.
• Using the appropriate word in the appropriate context is important for effective communication.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your communication skills and become a more effective writer and speaker.