to acquire / an acquisition

‘Acquire’ is a formal way of saying ‘get’. So it’s used in expressions like ‘to acquire a reputation’ or ‘to acquire experience’. When you acquire skills, it means you learn them or 'pick them up' informally. In business, it can also be used with the meaning of ‘buy’ – especially when you buy shares and ‘acquire control’ of a company.

She acquired useful information and skills during her work placement.  

more example sentences        questions for personal practice        unit 7

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to obtain

When you obtain something, you get it, usually by making an effort. It’s often used with the words ‘results’, ‘information’, ‘permission’ etc.

Students are required to obtain permission from their tutor before making laboratory reservations.  

more example sentences        questions for personal practice       unit 15    exercise 9.1    exercise 9.6  

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to derive

 ‘Derive’ means to get something from something else – especially ‘energy’, ‘income’ ‘satisfaction’. It’s also used when we talk about the original meaning or source of a word or custom. So the word ‘science’ is derived from the Latin verb ‘to know’.

The company derives most of its profits from intellectual property.

more example sentences        questions for personal practice      unit 9

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