Obtain vs get

In writing, aim to be clear and concise. Get is simpler and more clear than obtain.

• Original: I went to the store to obtain some food for dinner.
• Rewrite: I went to the store to get some food for dinner.

Unless you are intentionally writing something formal or distant, use get instead of obtain. Complicated word choice will make your writing less engaging for your readers.

While complicated words might earn you tons of points in Scrabble, they’re typically a barrier of entry for your readers. You don’t need to make your vocabulary super complicated to prove that you’re an effective writer. Aim for simpler language in most instances.