I wrote and published an article about the confusing usage of the verbs was and were, which garnered much interest. The English language is used around the world and can be difficult to learn, especially when so many words are used in different ways. It was suggested that I continue submitting similar articles to help sort out and explain the differences in the way certain English words are used, and to offer correct ways to use them. Although, this analysis may seem to be rather simple to some, most will need to engage their minds and think as they proceed.

Before tackling the differences between Attain and Obtain, a basic review of verbs, in general may be helpful.

Verbs are words that represent an action – or a state of being – of the subject, e.g., I am writing an article, (“writing” is the action verb); God exists in many of us, (“exists” is the state of being verb.)

Transitive verbs express an action, which is carried from the subject to the object, to complete the meaning of a statement, e. g., he will attain a diploma. (Diploma is the object and is the goal of the action.)

Intransitive verbs express an action – or state – that is limited to the subject, or, in other words, an action which does NOT require an object to complete the meaning of a statement, e. g., the bird flies; the dog runs (expresses action); he sleeps too much (expresses a state).

Test your knowledge of the correct usage of these verbs (before continuing):

Which verb (attain, obtain) should be used in the following sentences, and are they transitive or intransitive?

1. A love that no longer _______ should be forgotten
2. Hopefully, my article will ______ its purpose

Now, let’s look at the verbs Attain and Obtain. Just as anything is learned, you will need to think and use the examples that I have provided. Be patient and continue trying to come up with your own sentences using these verbs. Study the rules that apply.

ATTAIN

1A. Most commonly used as a transitive verb (with an object). To reach an end or objective by some effort (attain a goal):

THINK: GAIN, ACHIEVE

His latest speech attained (gained, achieved) its goal as the best. (The direct object is “goal”.)

1B. To come into possession of, or arrived at by persistence or passage of time.

THINK: REACH

He attained (reached) happiness over time (by passage of time).

2. Used as an intransitive verb (usually followed by to or unto). To come to

the end of a progression or course of movement.

God’s love will attain unto the end of time; He will

attain to a ripe old age if he eats right.

RULE OF THUMB: Attain always implies an effort,motion or progression toward something and is not synonymous with obtain.

OBTAIN

1. Most commonly used as a transitive verb (with an object), generally implies that there is effort or desire in the getting of something.

Think: to get, find, acquire, incur or procure

I obtained (got, acquired, incurred) a headache trying to explain the difference between these verbs.

He obtained (acquired, found) happiness in love (by desire).

2. Used as an intransitive verb (without an object), implies something to be customary, in vogue, prevailing, established, accepted or prevalent.

Using the intransitive verb seems to be the most troubling for some.

Think of: exists

God’s law obtains (exists, prevails) as the law of the land.

Following the crowd obtains (exists, is customary) as the only way uninformed voters back a candidate.

RULE OF THUMB: Obtain does NOT necessarily imply effort, motion or progression, which attain does.

How did you do with the two test questions?

Question 1

If you answered obtain and intransitive, you were correct.

A love that no longer obtains should be forgotten.

(In this case, love is a “state of mind” that no longer exists; there is no

object.)

Question 2

If you answered attain and transitive, you were correct.

Hopefully, my article will attain its purpose.

(In this case, an effort is made, which is carried to the object.)

Note: Several dictionaries and other sources were visited to compare and/or confirm my work.