What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purchased
Example
I purchased a new phone from the store. [purchased: verb]
Example
The company purchased the building for their new headquarters. [purchased: past tense]
acquired
Example
She acquired a rare stamp collection from her grandfather. [acquired: verb]
Example
The team acquired a new player in the trade deal. [acquired: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Purchased is more commonly used in everyday language, while acquired is more formal and often used in legal or business contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between purchased and acquired?
Acquired is more formal than purchased and is often used in legal or business contexts, while purchased is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
