Obtained vs Acquired: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

When it comes to language, every word has a specific meaning and usage. Two words that are often used interchangeably are obtained and acquired. However, there is a difference between these two words that should not be overlooked.

Obtained and acquired are both verbs that refer to the act of getting something. However, there is a subtle difference between the two. Obtained refers to the act of receiving or gaining something through effort or request. Acquired, on the other hand, refers to the act of getting something through one’s own efforts, such as through skill or experience.

For example, a person can obtain a degree by completing the necessary coursework and requirements. However, a person acquires knowledge and skills through experience and practice.

Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between obtained and acquired, and when to use each word in the proper context.

Before we dive into the differences between “obtained” and “acquired,” let’s take a moment to define each term.

Obtained

The word “obtained” refers to the act of getting or receiving something through effort or request. It implies that the item or information was obtained through some sort of action or exchange.

For example, if you obtained a copy of a book, it means that you either purchased it, borrowed it, or received it as a gift. You had to take some sort of action in order to obtain it.

Another example would be obtaining a driver’s license. In order to do so, you must pass a written test and a driving test. You have to put in effort and take action in order to obtain the license.

Acquired

The word “acquired” also means to get or receive something, but it implies a different method of obtaining than “obtained.”

When you acquire something, it means that you have gained possession or control of it through some sort of means, whether it be purchase, inheritance, or some other form of transfer.

For example, if you acquired a company, it means that you purchased it or gained control of it through some sort of merger or acquisition. You didn’t necessarily have to put in effort or take action to obtain it, but rather it was transferred to you through a business transaction.

Another example would be acquiring a skill. If you acquire a skill, it means that you have developed it over time through practice and experience. You didn’t necessarily have to take action to obtain the skill, but rather you gained it through your own efforts.

Differences between Obtained and Acquired

Obtained	Acquired
Implies an action or exchange	Implies possession or control gained through transfer
Requires effort or request	Does not necessarily require effort or action
Examples: Obtaining a book, obtaining a driver’s license	Examples: Acquiring a company, acquiring a skill

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right words to use in a sentence is essential to convey the intended meaning accurately. The words “obtained” and “acquired” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Obtained” In A Sentence

The word “obtained” is often used to describe the act of getting something through effort or request. It suggests that the item was acquired through a specific means or effort. Here are a few examples of how to use “obtained” correctly in a sentence:

• He obtained a copy of the report from the archives.
• The company obtained the necessary permits to begin construction.
• She obtained a scholarship to study abroad.

As you can see in these examples, “obtained” is used to describe the specific means by which something was acquired.

How To Use “Acquired” In A Sentence

The word “acquired” is used to describe the act of gaining possession of something. It suggests that the item was obtained, but the specific means by which it was acquired may not be important or relevant. Here are a few examples of how to use “acquired” correctly in a sentence:

• He acquired a taste for spicy food while traveling in India.
• The company acquired a new subsidiary to expand its operations.
• She acquired a collection of rare books over the years.

As you can see, “acquired” is used to describe the possession of something without necessarily specifying how it was obtained.

More Examples Of Obtained & Acquired Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between “obtained” and “acquired”, it’s important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of how “obtained” can be used in a sentence:

• He obtained his degree from Harvard University.
• She obtained the necessary permits to start her business.
• They obtained a search warrant to enter the suspect’s home.
• The company obtained a patent for their new invention.
• He obtained a loan from the bank to buy a house.
• The team obtained a victory in the championship game.
• She obtained a copy of the report through a Freedom of Information Act request.
• He obtained the rare book through an online auction.
• The police obtained a confession from the suspect.
• She obtained a scholarship to attend the prestigious university.

On the other hand, “acquired” is often used in a different context. Here are some examples of how “acquired” can be used in a sentence:

• The company acquired a smaller competitor to expand their market share.
• He acquired a taste for spicy food while traveling in India.
• They acquired a new skill through training and practice.
• The museum acquired a valuable painting for its collection.
• She acquired a reputation for being a tough negotiator.
• The team acquired a new coach to lead them to victory.
• He acquired a rare stamp for his collection at an auction.
• The company acquired the rights to a popular book series for a movie adaptation.
• She acquired a new car after saving up for several years.
• They acquired a large piece of land for their new development project.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “obtained” and “acquired,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings that should not be confused. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:

Using “Obtained” When Referring To A Skill Or Ability

One common mistake is to use “obtained” when referring to a skill or ability that someone has learned or developed. For example, saying “I obtained the skill of public speaking” is incorrect, as “obtained” implies that the skill was simply handed to you without any effort on your part. Instead, “acquired” should be used, as it implies that you worked to develop the skill.

Using “Acquired” When Referring To Physical Objects

Conversely, another mistake is to use “acquired” when referring to physical objects that have been obtained. For example, saying “I acquired a new car” is incorrect, as “acquired” implies that you worked to gain possession of the car. Instead, “obtained” should be used, as it simply means that you came into possession of the car, regardless of how it happened.

Using Both Words Interchangeably

Finally, some people make the mistake of using “obtained” and “acquired” interchangeably, regardless of the context. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, especially in more formal or technical writing. To avoid this mistake, it’s important to understand the specific meanings of each word and use them appropriately.

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to be mindful of the specific meanings of “obtained” and “acquired” and use them appropriately. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• When referring to skills or abilities, use “acquired.”
• When referring to physical objects, use “obtained.”
• Be mindful of the context and specific meaning of each word.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “obtained” and “acquired,” context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s explore some different contexts and how the choice between obtained and acquired might change.

Legal Context

In a legal context, the word “obtained” is often used to describe something that has been acquired through illicit or questionable means. For example, evidence obtained through an illegal search and seizure would not be admissible in court. On the other hand, the word “acquired” is generally used to describe something that has been obtained through legal means. For example, a company might acquire another company through a merger or acquisition.

Business Context

In a business context, the choice between obtained and acquired can depend on the specific circumstances. Generally, “obtained” implies a more passive acquisition, while “acquired” implies a more active acquisition. For example, a company might obtain a new customer through a referral, while they might acquire a competitor through a hostile takeover.

Here are some additional examples:

• A company might obtain a patent through a licensing agreement, but acquire a patent through purchasing it from another company.
• An individual might obtain a degree through attending classes, but acquire a certification through passing an exam.

Personal Context

When it comes to personal achievements or possessions, the choice between obtained and acquired can be a matter of personal preference. Some people might feel that “obtained” implies a more passive acquisition, while “acquired” implies more effort or intention. Others might use the words interchangeably.

For example, someone might say “I obtained my driver’s license” to imply that it was a relatively easy process, while they might say “I acquired my PhD” to emphasize the years of hard work and dedication that went into earning the degree.

In conclusion, the choice between obtained and acquired depends on the context in which they are used. Legal, business, and personal contexts can all influence which word is more appropriate. By understanding the nuances of each word, we can communicate more effectively and accurately.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “obtained” and “acquired” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. Here are some examples:

1. In Legal Terminology

When it comes to legal terminology, “obtained” and “acquired” can have different meanings. In this context, “obtained” refers to something that has been received through legal means, while “acquired” typically refers to the transfer of property or assets from one person or entity to another.

For example, a person might obtain a patent for an invention, but a company might acquire the patent through a merger or acquisition.

2. In Medical Terminology

In medical terminology, “obtained” is often used to describe the process of obtaining a sample for testing or analysis, while “acquired” is used to describe a disease or condition that a person has developed.

For instance, a doctor might obtain a blood sample from a patient to test for anemia, but a patient might acquire anemia due to a nutritional deficiency.

3. In Certain Contexts

There are also some contexts where “obtained” and “acquired” can be used interchangeably. For instance, in the context of obtaining or acquiring knowledge or skills, both words can be used.

For example, a student might obtain or acquire knowledge through reading textbooks, attending lectures, or conducting research.

Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using “obtained” and “acquired,” understanding the context in which they are used can help ensure that you use them correctly.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of obtained and acquired can be challenging, but with practice, it can become easier to differentiate between the two. Here are some practice exercises that can help:

Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word (obtained or acquired) to complete the following sentences:

1. She ___________ a new skill after taking a course at the community college.
2. The company ___________ a new building to expand their operations.
3. He ___________ a rare book from a collector at an auction.
4. They ___________ a lot of information from the internet for their research project.

Answer Key:

1. acquired
2. obtained
3. obtained
4. obtained

Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either obtained or acquired:

1. She ___________ a copy of the report from the IT department.
2. He ___________ a new car after saving up for years.
3. The company ___________ a patent for their new invention.
4. They ___________ a lot of experience working in the field.

Answer Key:

1. obtained
2. acquired
3. obtained
4. acquired

By practicing with these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of obtained and acquired in sentences. Remember, obtained refers to getting something through effort or request, while acquired refers to gaining something through one’s own actions or abilities.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “obtained” and “acquired,” it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. “Obtained” refers to the act of receiving something, while “acquired” refers to the process of gaining knowledge or skills through effort or experience.

It is important to understand the nuances of language use to effectively communicate and convey meaning. Improper usage of these words can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Key Takeaways:

• “Obtained” refers to receiving something, while “acquired” refers to gaining knowledge or skills.
• Proper usage of these words is important for effective communication.
• Continued learning about grammar and language use can enhance communication skills.

By continuing to learn and improve our language use, we can better convey our ideas and thoughts to others. Whether it be through reading, writing, or simply practicing proper grammar, the effort put into improving our language skills is always worth it.