could be retrieved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be retrieved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of obtaining or recovering something, such as data or information. Example: "The lost files could be retrieved from the backup system if we act quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No DNA could be retrieved from Felipe's socks, which he'd supposedly been wearing for five hours.

The New Yorker

Scientists were still hoping that some useful information could be retrieved from the crushed capsule.

The Guardian

The hidden message could be retrieved only by someone with the key to the code.

The New York Times

Rescue officials hoped that more bodies could be retrieved when the fuselage had been raised.

The Guardian

All materials could be retrieved from the appliances and the company would have a much closer relationship with the consumer.

The Guardian

The body of a woman hung from the wreckage for several hours before it could be retrieved.

The Guardian

Up to 700 fragments could be retrieved from the seabed.

BBC

Only one satellite (Artemis) could be retrieved due to its own propulsion systems.

Acta Astronautica

However, no valid data could be retrieved from Benishanul-Gumuz, Harari and Dire Dawa.

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

Only broad seabed types could be retrieved in areas deeper than 10 m.

Remote Sensing of Environment

By applying various multi-label learning algorithms, important molecular features driving transporter selectivity could be retrieved.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be retrieved" when indicating the potential to recover information, data, or objects from a specific source or location. Ensure the context clearly specifies the source and conditions under which retrieval is possible.

Common error

Avoid using "could be retrieved" excessively in passive voice, as it can make your writing sound weak. Instead, consider rephrasing the sentence to use active voice where appropriate for a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be retrieved" functions as a passive construction indicating a potential action. It highlights the possibility of obtaining or recovering something, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be retrieved" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the potential for recovering or obtaining something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability, especially in science and news contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards formality. When using the phrase, consider alternatives like "could be recovered" or "could be obtained" to fine-tune the meaning and avoid passive voice overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be obtained

Focuses on the possibility of getting or acquiring something.

could be recovered

Emphasizes the idea of getting something back that was lost or taken.

could be extracted

Highlights the process of removing or drawing something out.

could be accessed

Focuses on the ability to gain entry or make use of something.

could be regained

Stresses the restoration of something that was previously lost.

could be ascertained

Highlights the process of finding something out for certain.

could be unearthed

Implies discovering something hidden or buried.

could be salvaged

Focuses on saving something from damage or loss.

could be harvested

Emphasizes gathering or collecting something, often in a systematic way.

could be secured

Focuses on obtaining or ensuring possession of something.

FAQs

How can I use "could be retrieved" in a sentence?

Use "could be retrieved" to indicate the possibility of obtaining or recovering something. For example: "The data "could be retrieved" from the backup server."

What are some alternatives to "could be retrieved"?

Alternatives include "could be recovered", "could be obtained", or "could be accessed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "could be retrieved" or "can be retrieved"?

"Could be retrieved" suggests a possibility or conditionality, while "can be retrieved" indicates a more definite ability. Choose the phrase that best reflects the certainty of the retrieval process.

What does "could be retrieved" imply?

The phrase "could be retrieved" implies that there is a potential or possibility to recover something, but it is not a guarantee. The retrieval might depend on certain conditions or actions.