can be retrieved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be retrieved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to access or recover information or data from a source. Example: "The lost files can be retrieved from the backup server if needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Memories can be retrieved like cash at ATM's.

The New York Times - Arts

She cries to realise that "everything can be retrieved".

The Guardian - Books

But it is not clear that they can be retrieved.

The New York Times

But even that information can be retrieved quickly, Mr. Baker said.

The New York Times - Tech

In the past year, Dartfish improved the speed with which SimulCam images can be retrieved.

The New York Times - Sports

Why bother with the stylus when information can be retrieved with a few well-placed pokes?

The New York Times - Tech

On the Web, information can be retrieved at www.fs.fed.us./gpnf/ mshnvm.

The New York Times - Travel

(Organs now can be retrieved only from those who suffer brain death).

The New York Times

That data can be retrieved and used against you in lawsuits a generation hence.

The New York Times

I haven't turned on my home computer and sought out choice nonsense that can be retrieved at blazing speed.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The Net data can be retrieved in real time instead of sending people to audit the results," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documentation, use "can be retrieved" to clearly indicate how data or files can be accessed from a specific location or system.

Common error

Avoid using "can be retrieved" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "can be found" or "can be gotten" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be retrieved" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes the potential for something to be recovered or accessed from a particular source. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms its correct and widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Unknown

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be retrieved" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate the possibility of accessing or recovering information or objects. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse fields, including science, news, and technology. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, as simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual settings. Remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey – whether it's the act of recovery, access, or restoration – when choosing between "can be retrieved" and its many synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be accessed

This alternative emphasizes the ability to gain entry or use something, instead of specifically recovering it.

can be recovered

This alternative highlights the act of regaining something lost or taken, focusing on restoration.

can be obtained

This alternative focuses on the act of acquiring or getting something, rather than specifically retrieving it.

can be restored

This emphasizes the act of bringing something back to its original condition, differing from simply retrieving it.

can be regained

This focuses on getting something back after a loss, similar to recovery but with a slightly different connotation.

can be extracted

This alternative highlights the process of removing or drawing something out, often implying a more complex process than simple retrieval.

can be accessed again

This alternative emphasizes the possibility of repeated access.

can be brought back

This phrase is more colloquial than "can be retrieved" and stresses the act of returning something.

is obtainable

This alternative highlights the state of being able to be obtained.

can be brought to light

This alternative shifts the focus to revealing or making something known, rather than just accessing it.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "can be retrieved"?

You can use alternatives like "can be accessed", "can be recovered", or "can be obtained" depending on the context.

How to use "can be retrieved" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be retrieved" is used to indicate that something is able to be accessed or recovered. For example, "The lost data can be retrieved from the backup server."

Is "can be retrieved" formal or informal?

"Can be retrieved" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for technical, academic, or professional writing. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "can be retrieved" and "can be accessed"?

While both phrases indicate the ability to gain access to something, "can be retrieved" often implies a process of recovering something that was previously stored or lost, whereas "can be accessed" simply means that something is available for use or viewing.