could obtain vs could be obtained

Both are correct, but they're used in different contexts. 'Could obtain' is used when referring to the subject actively obtaining something. On the other hand, 'could be obtained' is used when the focus is on the possibility or potential for something to be obtained by someone or something else.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: October 06, 2024 • 5020 views

could obtain

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the subject actively obtaining something.

This phrase is used when the subject has the ability or opportunity to acquire something. It implies an active role on the part of the subject in obtaining the item.

Examples:

She could obtain the necessary information from the library.
With his skills, he could obtain a job easily.
If you study hard, you could obtain a scholarship.
The company could obtain a patent for their new invention.
I could obtain a copy of the report for you.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 11, 2024

Apr 13, 2022 ... r/KingdomHearts - if u could obtain a keyblade in rl which one would u. Upvote
More than 10 Million Uninsured Could Obtain Marketplace. Coverage through Special Enrollment Periods. NOVEMBER 2015. Enrollment in health insurance ...
Jul 22, 2017 ... Why are people so surprised that Caulifa and Cabba could obtain super saiyan so easily? Discussion. At the start of their fight, Vegeta ...
Is there any interesting data I could obtain from Application_End() parameters? Ask Question. Asked 11 years, 8 months ago. Modified 11 years, 7 months ago.
Mar 15, 2022 ... How I Could Obtain a Necron's Handle. Thread starter JaydenO; Start date Mar 15, 2022. Status: Not open for further replies because of ...
Dec 5, 2017 ... You could obtain a $750,000.00, 25-year mortgage loan requiring equal monthly payments with an interest at 7.0%. The following operating results ...
Nov 29, 2022 ... China could obtain 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035, Pentagon estimates. “What we're looking at here, it raises some questions, I think, about ...
Oct 16, 2018 ... Show how one could obtain G(T,P,Ni) by performing Legendre transformation of A(T,V,Ni) and make use of Eq. 3.42 (G = A + PV) to identify the partial derivative ...
Aug 8, 2021 ... If you could obtain a Masters degree without first having an undergraduate degree would you do it? All related (60).
Jul 19, 2019 ... [a] The minimum score a student could obtain in order to receive an A is 90. What is the probability a randomly selected student receives an A?

Alternatives:

can obtain
might obtain
will obtain
should obtain
would obtain

could be obtained

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when the focus is on the possibility or potential for something to be obtained by someone or something else.

This phrase is used when discussing the passive potential for something to be acquired by a subject. It emphasizes the passive nature of the action.