Procure - Word of the Day for IELTS Writing and Speaking

One prominent verb that frequently appears in formal writing and discussions is the word “procure.” This word is mainly useful when talking about obtaining something with effort, hard work, skill, or specific procedures. Since many of the IELTS Writing Task 2 topics involve governments, businesses, education, healthcare, and global issues, “procure” can easily elevate the clarity of your responses. 

This article will help you learn about the word, read about its origin, and get access to sample sentences and a practice exercise. Let’s now get you started on the journey to grab your desired band score! 

Meaning of the Word “Procure”

Procure (verb) means to obtain something, particularly with effort, difficulty, hard work or through specific planned methods.

It often implies gaining something important, official, or hard to get.

For Example:

• “The hospital was able to procure the required medicines during the crisis.”
• “The governments must procure advanced technology to improve public services in the rural areas.”

“Procure” is a slightly formal word, and it fits perfectly in academic and professional contexts.

Origin of the Word “Procure”

The word “procure” originates from the Latin term “procurare,” which means “to take care of,” “to manage,” or “to obtain” something. It entered the Old French language as “procourer” and later came into Middle English with a meaning which was close to the modern sense - “to bring about” or “to obtain something with skills.” 

Over the period, the word evolved to describe acquiring goods, resources, or even information, which was often through official or deliberate means.

Common Collocations with “Procure”

• procure resources
• procure goods
• procure medicine
• procure equipment
• procure approval
• procure funds
• procure information
• procure supplies
• procure materials
• procure technology

These collocations related to the word “Procure” make you sound fluent and accurate.

Common Mistakes When Using the Word “Procure”

Using it for simple and everyday actions

• Incorrect Usage: “I procured milk from the shop.”
• Correct Usage: “I bought milk from the shop.”

The word “Procure” is used for the things that are important but difficult to obtain. 

Using it in informal contexts

• Incorrect Usage: “Can you procure me some chocolates?”
• Correct Usage: “Our organisation managed to procure some essential supplies.”

Confusing the word’s meaning with “produce”

• Incorrect Usage: “Factories tend to procure goods.”
• Correct Usage: “Factories produce goods and the governments procure them.”

Incorrect grammar usage

• Incorrect Usage: “Their funds was procured.”
• Correct Usage: “Their funds were procured.”

Synonyms of the Word “Procure”

• obtain
• get hold of
• acquire
• secure
• bring in
• source
• collect

Antonyms of the Word “Procure”

• lose
• surrender
• fail to obtain
• give up
• miss

Sample Sentences Based on the Word ‘Procure’ 

1. The college successfully procured a grant to support its students on research projects.
2. Local farmers struggled to procure enough water during the drought.
3. The organization procured advanced machinery to increase its production capacity.
4. International organisations work to procure vaccines for developing nations.
5. It is becoming increasingly complex to procure reliable data due to various privacy concerns.
6. They had been procured in the early years of the century through a carefully orchestrated city campaign.
7. He therefore persuaded a friend to procure him a ticket without disclosing his identity.

Practice Exercise - Procure

Task: Try to use the word “procure” in your speech

Describe an occasion or event when you were congratulated

You should say:

• What was the occasion
• When was it
• Who congratulated you and why
  

Sample Answer

We all appreciate the good things we do for others, or for our great achievements and personal excellence. One such occasion when I was congratulated was the time when our debate team won the district-level championship.

It was 2001, and I was a student in grade 8. I was an active member of our school debate team and had participated in different solo and team debate competitions. The yearly inter-school level championship is considered to be a prestigious tournament, and the final is broadcast on local TV channels as well as on the radio. Our school had never been able to win the championship before 2001, though some of the debate teams participated till the semi-final round of the championship. This year, I was the captain of the debate team, and to everyone’s great surprise, we won the final. Most of the people of our city watched the final on TV and were very excited, happy and proud that we won. The school arranged a ceremony to congratulate us for our achievement, and I found more than 5 hundred students, their guardians and local people were present there. I was so proud, happy and excited about the occasion, and when all those people started congratulating me, I felt like I was flying above the sky.

Later, I procured many congratulations and appreciations in my life, but the excitement and joy I felt on that occasion was incomparable. We walked through the long line towards the stage and people stood up and clapped their hands, and greeted us. Our teachers, local political leaders, upper-level government employees and renowned persons of the locality were also present there. The program lasted for 2/3 hours, and we got many gifts and bouquets as well.

Vocabulary 

• Prestigious (Adjective): admired as one of the best and most important
• Broadcast (Verb): to send out radio or television programmes
• Guardian (Noun): someone who is legally responsible for looking after someone else’s child, especially after the child’s parents have died
• Incomparable (Adjective): extremely good, beautiful, etc, and much better than others.

In conclusion, if you're aiming for a great IELTS Band Score, follow the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ to further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance, just like you did with the word - Procure!

Useful Links:

• Cumbersome: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS
• Garrulous: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS
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