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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 • 5002 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 [+]

May 31, 2015 ... India's defence minister has voiced concern that the radical Islamist group Isis could obtain a nuclear weapon from "states like Pakistan". Rao Inderjit Singh made the comments on the sidelines of the Shangri-La regional ...
May 23, 2015 ... MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The Islamic State jihadist group (ISIL) could obtain a nuclear weapon within 12 month, according to the latest issue of the ISIL's propaganda magazine Dabiq. “The Islamic State has billions of dollars in ...
May 23, 2015 ... The Islamic State jihadist group (ISIL) could obtain a nuclear weapon within 12 month, according to the latest issue of the ISIL's propaganda magazine Dabiq. " The Islamic State has billions of dollars in the bank, so they call on ...
I am San Pasqual Indian and I am doing more research on the history of our tribe and was wondering where I could obtain the history or any records of the chapel in the San Pasqual Valley, which was part of the San Diego de Alcala mission.

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.

Examples:

The necessary information could be obtained from the library.
A job could be obtained with the right qualifications.
A scholarship could be obtained through hard work.
A patent could be obtained for the new invention.
A copy of the report could be obtained for you.

Show examples from the web [+]

Breaking News. News; TAX. Employee consent to employment tax refunds could be obtained electronically. By Sally P. Schreiber, J.D.. February 17, 2015. Related. October 1, 2015. Crowdfunding and income taxes. October 1, 2015 ...
What if the Best Coffee could be obtained thanks to Biotechnologies? France Green-Tech. 17/08/2015. French bioengineers Camille Delebecque and Sophie Deterre founded the food Start-up Afineur in New York to revolutionize coffee.
I hear Papelbon could be obtained for a song. 5. posted by bl4ckduck on Sep 28, 2015 · https://t.co/FIooogSdv3. — Half St Heart Blog (@HalfStreetHeart) September 27, 2015. What kind of a deal would it take for you to take a bite? If they sent ...
Oct 31, 2014 ... Background: I have several skills like programming, data analysis, etc., which were learned when I was a graduate student, and I was a graduate student for 3 years, so how should I say like this: ...all these skills were obtained ...

Alternatives:

could get
could be acquired
could be received
could be gained
could be procured

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