English learners and writers often get confused between aquire or acquire.
Sentences like I want to aquire new skills show why.
The correct spelling is always acquire, meaning to obtain, gain, or come into possession of something. Aquire is a common misspelling and should be avoided.
This guide explains why acquire is correct, its origin, usage in British and American English, common mistakes, and practical examples.
By the end, you’ll confidently use acquire in emails, essays, reports, and social media never aquire again.
Aquire or Acquire – Quick Answer
✅ Correct spelling: acquire
❌ Incorrect spelling: aquire
Explanation
- Acquire means to obtain, gain, or come into possession of something.
- Aquire is a common typo, missing the c after the a.
Examples
- She acquired valuable experience during her internship.
- The company plans to acquire a smaller startup.
- I need to acquire more knowledge about digital marketing.
❌ Incorrect: She aquired valuable experience during her internship.
Quick Tip: If the sentence is about gaining, obtaining, or achieving something, use acquire.
The Origin of Aquire or Acquire
Word Origin
- Acquire comes from the Latin verb acquirere, which combines ad- (toward) + quaerere (to seek or obtain).
- It entered Middle English through Old French as acquerre, eventually becoming acquire in modern English.
Why the Spelling Confusion Exists
- The missing c in aquire is a frequent typo due to pronunciation.
- Early manuscripts sometimes had variable spellings, but standard modern English always uses acquire.
- Unlike some English verbs with alternative spellings, acquire has only one correct form in standard English.
British English vs American English Spelling
Consistency Across Regions
Both British and American English use acquire. There is no recognized variant spelling of aquire in any standard dictionary.
Comparison Table
| Feature | British English | American English | Notes |
| Correct spelling | acquire | acquire | Standard in all contexts |
| Common typo | aquire | aquire | Incorrect |
| Usage | Formal, business, academic | Formal, business, academic | Identical usage |
| Pronunciation | /əˈkwaɪər/ | /əˈkwaɪər/ | Minor accent differences |
Examples
- UK: She acquired new skills through online courses.
- US: He acquired a rare coin for his collection.
Aquire should never appear in formal or informal writing.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
General Advice
- Always use acquire in any context.
- Aquire is a spelling mistake and reduces credibility in writing.
Audience-Based Guidance
US English Writers
- ✔️ Use acquire in emails, essays, reports, and articles.
UK & Commonwealth Writers
- ✔️ Same guidance: acquire is correct everywhere.
Global English Learners
- ✔️ Memorize acquire and remember the Latin root acquirere.
- ✔️ Avoid aquire in academic, professional, or casual writing.
Common Mistakes with Aquire or Acquire
- ❌ I want to aquire new clients.
✔️ I want to acquire new clients. - ❌ She aquired a taste for classical music.
✔️ She acquired a taste for classical music. - ❌ The company will aquire additional resources.
✔️ The company will acquire additional resources. - ❌ He aquired skills through volunteering.
✔️ He acquired skills through volunteering. - ❌ Aquire knowledge whenever possible.
✔️ Acquire knowledge whenever possible.
Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Remember the c after the a.
- Pronounce it slowly: ac-quire → makes the c audible.
- Use mnemonics: Always Check to Acquire.
Aquire or Acquire in Everyday Examples
In Emails
✔️ We hope to acquire new clients this quarter.
❌ We hope to aquire new clients this quarter.
In News Headlines
✔️ Tech giant acquires smaller competitor for $1 billion.
❌ Tech giant aquires smaller competitor for $1 billion.
On Social Media
✔️ I’m trying to acquire new skills this year!
❌ I’m trying to aquire new skills this year!
In Text Messaging
✔️ Acquired the books you requested!
❌ Aquired the books you requested!
In Formal Writing
✔️ The student acquired in-depth knowledge of molecular biology.
❌ The student aquired in-depth knowledge of molecular biology.
Aquire or Acquire – Google Trends & Usage Data
Why People Search This Term
- Confusion due to the missing c
- ESL learners proofreading essays
- Writers checking formal documents
Popularity by Country
- India
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Nigeria
- US & UK (business and academic contexts)
Observations
- Acquire dominates standard usage in dictionaries, business, and academic writing.
- Aquire is mostly seen online as a typo or informal mistake.
- Search interest peaks during exams, assignment periods, and professional writing checks.
Keyword Variations Side by Side
| Phrase | Meaning | Correct Usage |
| acquire | To obtain, gain, or come into possession | ✔️ Standard |
| aquire | Misspelling of acquire | ❌ Avoid |
| acquiring | Present participle | ✔️ She is acquiring new skills. |
| acquired | Past tense/past participle | ✔️ He acquired a certificate. |
| acquisition | Noun form | ✔️ The acquisition of knowledge is important. |
| re-acquire | To acquire again | ✔️ They re-acquired the lost property. |
FAQs
1. Is aquire ever correct?
No. Aquire is a common spelling mistake. Always use acquire.
2. How can I remember the correct spelling?
Think of the Latin root acquirere, and remember the c after the a.
3. Can acquire be used in formal writing?
Yes, it is widely used in academic, business, legal, and professional contexts.
4. Are there differences between British and American English?
No, both variants use acquire identically.
5. Can acquire be used for skills and knowledge?
Yes. Examples: acquire skills, acquire knowledge, acquire experience.
6. Is there a present participle form?
Yes, acquiring: She is acquiring new certifications.
7. What is the noun form?
The noun is acquisition: The acquisition of property requires legal documentation.
Conclusion
The confusion between aquire or acquire is common but easy to fix.
The correct spelling is always acquire, meaning to gain, obtain, or come into possession of something.
Aquire is a misspelling and should be avoided in emails, essays, articles, or professional writing.
Both British and American English follow the same rule. Understanding derivatives like acquiring and acquisition helps in constructing proper sentences.
Remember its Latin root acquirere and pronounce it slowly (ac-quire) to avoid mistakes. Using acquire correctly makes your writing professional, clear, and credible.
I’m Rachel Amphlett, a content writer specializing in English grammar, vocabulary, and common language mistakes, with a focus on clarity and accuracy.
