What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
get
Example
Can you get me a glass of water? [get: verb]
Example
I need to get my driver's license. [get: verb]
Example
He got the ball from the other side of the field. [got: past tense]
obtain
Example
She obtained a degree in engineering. [obtained: past tense]
Example
We need to obtain permission before we can proceed. [obtain: verb]
Example
The company was able to obtain a loan from the bank. [obtain: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Get is more commonly used than obtain in everyday language. Get is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while obtain is less common and is typically used in more formal situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between get and obtain?
Obtain is more formal than get. It is often used in legal, academic, or professional contexts, while get is more commonly used in informal conversations.
