Cool MateMoney can buy vs Obtain
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Money can buy
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Obtain
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most common: Obtain
| Money can buy | Obtain | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈmʌni kən baɪ//🇺🇸 //ˈmʌni kæn baɪ// | 🇬🇧 //əbˈteɪn//🇺🇸 //əbˈteɪn// |
| Meaning | You can get things with money. | To get or receive something. |
| Example | Money can buy a new car. | You need to obtain permission from the manager first. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | money can buy happiness, money can buy power, money can buy goods | obtain a degree, obtain funding, obtain information, obtain results, obtain consent |
| Antonyms | - | lose, forfeit, surrender |
| Common mistakes | Overusing 'money can buy' in inappropriate contexts like love or happiness., Confusing this phrase with 'money can’t buy' which expresses limitations., Improper word order, such as 'can money buy' instead of 'money can buy'. | Confusing 'obtain' with 'get', which is less formal., Using 'obtain' incorrectly with intransitive forms., Incorrectly conjugating the verb in different tenses. |
| Usage notes | Typically used in discussions about the limitations and effects of wealth. Can be informal or formal, but avoid using in highly emotional contexts. | 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: Money can buy vs Obtain
What's the difference between Money can buy and Obtain?
Money can buy: You can get things with money. Obtain: To get or receive something.
Which is more common: Money can buy and Obtain?
Obtain is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Money can buy: Money can buy a new car. Obtain: You need to obtain permission from the manager first.
Can I use Money can buy and Obtain interchangeably?
Not always. Money can buy 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.