verb · academic
obtain
/əbˈteɪn/ob·TAIN
Band 5-6task1task2
to get something, especially by effort, request, or a process
Examples
“Researchers obtained permission to access confidential records.”
“Accurate data can be difficult to obtain in remote areas.”
“You must obtain a visa before you travel.”
Band 8 sentence
“To ensure the study's validity, the researchers obtained informed consent from every participant.”
Collocations
- obtain data/information
- obtain permission
Word family
obtain verbobtained adjective / verb (past)obtainable adjective
Common mistakes
obtain of→obtain from / obtain (no preposition) / obtain by
use 'get' in formal writing→obtain
Say it for a higher band
5get→6gain→7+obtain
Synonyms
acquire
Easily confused
acquire
“He quickly acquired the necessary skills for the job.”
Related words
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In Sublist 8
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