When learning English vocabulary, it is important to understand how nouns, verbs, and other word forms are connected. One such case is the word acquirement,” which refers to something that has been gained or obtained, such as a skill or possession. To fully understand how to use this term in daily conversation or writing, we must explore its verb form acquire. This verb is not only the base form from which “acquirement” is derived but also plays a vital role in expressing actions related to gaining, obtaining, or developing something. Knowing how to use “acquire” correctly will greatly enhance your ability to speak and write fluently in English.
What Is the Verb Form of Acquirement?
The noun “acquirement” comes from the verb “acquire.” While “acquirement” is more formal and less commonly used in modern English, “acquire” remains a very active and widely used verb. It means to gain possession of something, develop a skill, or learn knowledge. This verb can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and it appears frequently in academic, business, and everyday language.
Definition of “Acquire”
According to standard English usage, the verb “acquire” has the following meanings
- To gain possession or control of something through effort or purchase
- To learn or develop a skill, habit, or quality
- To come into ownership of something, especially over time
These definitions show that “acquire” can be used in different contexts ranging from physical items to abstract qualities like knowledge or language skills.
Verb Forms of “Acquire”
Like most regular English verbs, “acquire” has various forms depending on tense and grammatical structure. Understanding these forms helps in constructing proper sentences across different contexts.
- Base formacquire
- Third-person singularacquires
- Present participle / gerundacquiring
- Past simpleacquired
- Past participleacquired
Examples of Each Form
- Base formI want to acquire new computer skills.
- Third-person singularShe acquires knowledge quickly.
- Present participleHe is acquiring experience through internships.
- Past simpleThey acquired the company last year.
- Past participleThe land has been acquired by the government.
These examples show how versatile the verb acquire is and how it can be used across multiple tenses and sentence types.
Use of “Acquire” in Different Contexts
1. Business and Finance
In business, “acquire” is often used when discussing the purchase or takeover of assets, properties, or companies.
- The corporation acquired a smaller firm to expand its operations.
- Investors are looking to acquire shares in emerging tech startups.
2. Education and Skills
In academic or educational settings, “acquire” refers to gaining knowledge or mastering a skill over time.
- Children acquire language skills at an early age.
- Students are expected to acquire critical thinking abilities throughout their education.
3. Personal Development
In everyday life, people use “acquire” to talk about learning, habits, or personal possessions.
- Over the years, he acquired a taste for classical music.
- She acquired several rare books during her travels.
Differences Between “Acquirement” and “Acquisition”
While exploring the verb “acquire,” it’s also helpful to understand the difference between “acquirement” and “acquisition.” Both nouns are derived from the verb “acquire,” but their usage differs slightly.
- Acquirementusually refers to the act or result of acquiring something abstract, like knowledge or a skill.
- Acquisitionis more commonly used today and can refer to both tangible and intangible things. It is the preferred term in business and education.
Examples
- Her acquirement of multiple languages impressed the interviewers. (More formal and less common)
- The acquisition of a new vehicle has improved their daily commute. (Common and modern usage)
In most modern English usage, “acquisition” has largely replaced “acquirement,” although both are grammatically correct.
Synonyms of “Acquire”
To vary your vocabulary, it’s useful to know other verbs that share similar meanings with “acquire.” Depending on context, you might use
- Obtain
- Gain
- Receive
- Earn
- Secure
- Attain
Examples
- Sheobtainedher driver’s license last month.
- Hegainedvaluable insights from the workshop.
- Theysecuredfunding for their startup.
However, each of these synonyms may carry slightly different connotations, so choosing the right one depends on the situation.
Common Phrases with Acquire
The verb “acquire” often appears in idiomatic or set phrases. Knowing these phrases will help you sound more natural and fluent in English.
- Acquire knowledge
- Acquire skills
- Acquire assets
- Acquire experience
- Acquire a habit
Examples
- You can acquire knowledge through books, courses, or life experiences.
- Many jobs require candidates to acquire experience before applying.
Passive Voice with Acquire
Because acquire is a transitive verb (it takes a direct object), it can also be used in the passive voice. This is useful in formal writing or when the focus is on the object being acquired.
Structure
- Object + form of be + acquired + by + subject
Examples
- The land was acquired by the city for development.
- The painting was acquired by a private collector.
Using passive voice allows writers to emphasize the result of the action rather than the doer of the action.
Tips for Using Acquire Correctly
- Use “acquire” for both tangible and intangible things.
- Make sure the object after “acquire” is clear and logical (e.g., you acquire skills, not a skillful).
- In everyday speech, “get” or “gain” may be more common, but “acquire” adds formality and precision.
- Be careful with verb tense to match the context (past, present, future).
Understanding the verb form of “acquirement” is essential for anyone looking to improve their English vocabulary and communication skills. The verb “acquire” is rich in meaning and application. It can be used to describe learning, gaining, receiving, or purchasing something whether that be knowledge, a skill, a habit, or an object. While “acquirement” is not as commonly used in modern language, the verb “acquire” remains vital across formal writing, education, business, and everyday conversation. By mastering how to use “acquire” in various grammatical forms and contexts, learners can add depth and clarity to their English usage. Keep practicing with real-life examples, and this powerful verb will soon become a natural part of your vocabulary.