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Prepositions after verbs

Using “obtain from” and “obtain by”

Obtain from and obtain by are both correct, but they express different ideas. From shows the source, while by shows the method.

Quick answer

Source or method?

Use “obtain from” to name the person, organisation, or place that provides something. Use “obtain by” to explain the method used to get something.

We obtained the data from local hospitals.
She obtained permission from the director.
They obtained funding by selling shares.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
obtain something from + source

Naming the source

From introduces the provider or origin of something.

The samples were obtained from a research lab.
2
obtain something by + method

Explaining the method

By introduces the action or process used to get something.

He obtained access by using a temporary pass.
3
obtain + object

Getting or receiving something

Obtain can also appear without a following preposition.

She finally obtained a visa after several interviews.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
obtain from
The information was obtained from official records.
Shows the source or provider.
obtain by
They obtained results by careful testing.
Shows the method or means.
obtain through
She obtained support through personal contacts.
Shows a channel or process.
obtain with
They obtained the image with special equipment.
With introduces an instrument, not the source.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using by for a source

By explains method, not the provider.

✕ We obtained the files by the archive. ✓ We obtained the files from the archive.

Using from for a method

From names a source, not an action.

✕ He obtained entry from paying a fee. ✓ He obtained entry by paying a fee.

Adding unnecessary prepositions

Obtain can take a direct object alone.

✕ She obtained for a permit. ✓ She obtained a permit.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The documents were obtained ___ the university archive.
2. They obtained better results ___ improving the design.
3. She finally obtained ___ work permit.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between obtain from and obtain by?

From refers to the source. By refers to the method used.

Can obtain be used without a preposition?

Yes. You can simply say obtain something.

Is obtain by formal?

It is common in formal and neutral writing when describing methods.

oblige-to-by-with-in, for obscure by, for, from, in or to? observe in, by, on, with or for? "obsess about" or "obsess over"? occupy by, with, in, for or at? occur in, to, at, on or during? offend by, at, in, against or with? "offer by" or "offer to"? offset by, from, with, for or against? "omit from" or "omit by"? "open in" or "open to"? operate in, by, on, at or from?

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