able to retrieve it

USAGE SUMMARY

"able to retrieve it" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing someone's ability to find or obtain something. For example: "The librarian was able to retrieve the book from the archives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

They remembered the cash a couple of days after the storm and were able to retrieve it.

The New York Times

EventBH if offering a compact lead retrieval tool to exhibitors, which captures leads in a large amount and is able to retrieve it anytime when needed.

Cornell University

My excuse is that I have to be able to retrieve it quickly, so I can dash off to the next fire.

The New York Times

Only once has work been lost by Google and the technical support team was able to retrieve it within two hours.

The Guardian

Some gear may be sold or donated to allied nations, but few are likely to be able to retrieve it from the war zone.

The Washington Post

Mr Crosby told the court he had received the email seven years ago but had only recently be able to retrieve it after his home was raided over claims of animal cruelty.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

From what I can tell at the time of writing, it doesn't concern a patent infringement suit (see update below), as is usually the case when electronics companies turn to the courts, but I haven't been able to retrieve what it is about.

TechCrunch

And if I drop the pen I will not be able to bend to retrieve it, because my torso is totally encrusted in bronze?

The New Yorker

When scientists were able to retrieve a rusticle, it was discovered that it was far more complex than had been imagined, with complex systems of roots infiltrating the metal, interior channels, bundles of fibers, pores and other structures.

Wikipedia

Computer forensic specialists must also be able to retrieve and store it in a way that does not destroy or change other data on the computer.

The New York Times

Someone who records a favorite show onto a hard drive in the living room would not be able to retrieve and watch it over a wireless network from another room, for instance, or from a country home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to retrieve it", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "able to retrieve it" when the process involves creation or discovery, not simply regaining something that was previously possessed or known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to retrieve it" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capability or capacity to regain possession or access to something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to retrieve it" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes the capacity to regain possession or access to something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the reference of "it" is unambiguous. While generally acceptable, avoid using it when the action involves creating something new rather than recovering something previously held.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to get it back

Emphasizes the act of regaining possession.

capable of recovering it

Highlights the capability to restore something to its original condition or location.

in a position to reclaim it

Focuses on the ability to assert a right to regain possession.

have the means to regain it

Stresses the availability of resources or methods for retrieval.

able to access it again

Highlights the restoration of access.

fit to take it back

Suggests readiness and suitability for reclaiming something.

able to find it again

Focuses on the ability to locate something that was lost.

competent to fetch it

Emphasizes the skill and ability to retrieve something.

eligible to collect it

Highlights the entitlement or qualification to receive something back.

have the capacity to secure it

Emphasizes the ability to ensure the retrieval of something.

FAQs

How can I use "able to retrieve it" in a sentence?

You can use "able to retrieve it" when describing the capability to regain something. For example, "The data was corrupted, but the technicians were "able to retrieve it" from the backup system."

What are some alternatives to "able to retrieve it"?

Some alternatives include "able to get it back", "capable of recovering it", or "in a position to reclaim it", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "ability to retrieve it"?

Yes, "ability to retrieve it" is grammatically correct. It emphasizes the general capability, whereas "able to retrieve it" describes a specific instance of being capable.

What's the difference between "able to retrieve it" and "used to retrieve it"?

"Able to retrieve it" describes the current capability to regain something, while "used to retrieve it" implies a past action or purpose. For example, "The software is "able to retrieve it"" versus "The software was "used to retrieve it"".