Cool MateAcquire the target vs Obtain
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Acquire the target
Top 2,000 (common)
Obtain
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
| Acquire the target | Obtain | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əˈkwaɪər ðə ˈtɑːɡɪt//🇺🇸 //əˈkwaɪɚ ðə ˈtɑːrɡɪt// | 🇬🇧 //əbˈteɪn//🇺🇸 //əbˈteɪn// |
| Meaning | Get the goal or aim. | To get or receive something. |
| Example | We need to acquire the target before the deadline approaches. | You need to obtain permission from the manager first. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | acquire a target, acquire skills, acquire knowledge, acquire resources, acquire clients | obtain a degree, obtain funding, obtain information, obtain results, obtain consent |
| Antonyms | - | lose, forfeit, surrender |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'require' - remember 'acquire' is to gain something., Using 'acquire' with inanimate objects incorrectly as if it's a living thing. | Confusing 'obtain' with 'get', which is less formal., Using 'obtain' incorrectly with intransitive forms., Incorrectly conjugating the verb in different tenses. |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts, including business and military settings. It's appropriate for formal discussions but can be used in neutral contexts as well. | Used in formal and neutral contexts. Common in academic and professional language. Not typically used in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Acquire the target vs Obtain
What's the difference between Acquire the target and Obtain?
Acquire the target: Get the goal or aim. Obtain: To get or receive something.
Can you show an example of each?
Acquire the target: We need to acquire the target before the deadline approaches. Obtain: You need to obtain permission from the manager first.
Can I use Acquire the target and Obtain interchangeably?
Not always. Acquire the target and Obtain are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.