"to obtain" vs "to obtain the"

Question

"to obtain" vs "to obtain the"

Both 'to obtain the' and 'to obtain' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'To obtain the' is used when referring to a specific noun that follows, while 'to obtain' is used when the object being obtained is not specified.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

Use 'to obtain' when you want to indicate the action of obtaining without specifying the object. It is a more general way of expressing the idea of acquiring something.

Examples:

She needed to obtain a permit before starting the construction.
The company aims to obtain a competitive advantage in the market.
It is important to obtain permission before using the images.

Alternatives:

to acquire
to get
to secure
to receive
to fetch

Use 'to obtain the' when you want to specify the noun that is being obtained. It is used to indicate a particular object or item.

Examples:

I need to obtain the necessary documents for the application.
She was able to obtain the information from the library.
He tried to obtain the approval of the committee.

Alternatives:

to acquire the
to get the
to secure the
to receive the
to fetch the

Answer 1

to obtain

This phrase is correct and commonly used when the object being obtained is not specified.

Answer 2

to obtain the

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific noun that follows.

"to obtain" vs "to obtain the"

to obtain

to obtain the

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