could not fetch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not fetch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where something could not be retrieved or obtained, often in technical or digital scenarios. Example: "The application displayed an error message stating that it could not fetch the requested data from the server."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We could not go to the farms, we could not fetch water or collect firewood.

The Guardian

He woke, certain that Freddie had been in his dream, although he could not fetch up a narrative and was left only with the exhausted sense of having not completed a necessary task.

The New Yorker

Even before it was acquired by Rio Tinto, Alcan had put up its entire packaging unit for sale, but it could not fetch bids for the whole operation throughout 2007 and 2008.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This January Sapir put the home back on the market for the $50 million it couldn't fetch even during the New York real estate euphoria of 2006.

Forbes

They were here for a game for which they could not get — or afford — tickets, which were fetching 10 times face value from the scalpers.

The New York Times - Sports

His mother, Vivian, was almost asked to leave a department store because Julian could not resist fetching a ball from sporting goods and dribbling it down the aisle.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a good point, and there were moments in the stage version of Curious Incident that I found uncomfortable, such as when the audience guffawed at Christopher's remark that one of the children at his special school is more stupid than a dog, and probably couldn't even fetch a stick (it wasn't Christopher's words that bothered me – it was the dress circle's response).

The Guardian - Books

I couldn't get out of the house to fetch some water from the standpipe because the moment you come out of the house, people would be looking at you.

BMC Psychiatry

Do not fetch $95 for spectacles for your pup.

The New York Times

A horse will not fetch.

Huffington Post

That's totally not fetch!

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could not fetch" when describing technical issues or processes where data or information cannot be retrieved, especially in computing or informational contexts. For instance, "The server could not fetch the requested webpage" is an appropriate use.

Common error

Avoid using "could not fetch" in contexts that imply physical actions where "bring" or "get" would be more appropriate. For example, instead of "He could not fetch the ball", say "He could not get the ball".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not fetch" functions as a negative declarative statement, indicating an inability to retrieve or obtain something. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts ranging from retrieving data to obtaining physical resources like water.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could not fetch" is used to express the inability to retrieve or obtain something. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts. Alternatives include "failed to retrieve" and "unable to obtain". When writing, avoid using "could not fetch" in physical contexts; instead, opt for "could not get" or "could not bring".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to retrieve

Replaces "could not" with "failed to", providing a more direct expression of failure.

was unable to obtain

Substitutes "fetch" with "obtain" and "could not" with "was unable to", offering a slightly more formal tone.

did not manage to get

Replaces "fetch" with "get" and uses "did not manage to" instead of "could not", indicating a lack of success.

could not acquire

Employs "acquire" in place of "fetch", suggesting a more deliberate effort to obtain something.

was unsuccessful in retrieving

Uses "unsuccessful" to convey the inability to fetch, offering a more descriptive alternative.

could not secure

Replaces "fetch" with "secure", implying an effort to ensure possession but failing.

was not able to access

Focuses on the inability to gain access, rather than the act of fetching itself.

could not draw

Replaces "fetch" with "draw" indicating the object could not be extracted.

could not extract

Replaces "fetch" with "extract" indicating the object could not be pulled out.

was denied access to

Emphasizes the denial of access, indicating an external restriction prevented fetching.

FAQs

What does "could not fetch" mean?

"Could not fetch" generally means that something was unable to be retrieved or obtained. This is often used in technical contexts, such as when a program or system fails to retrieve data.

When is it appropriate to use "could not fetch"?

It's appropriate to use "could not fetch" in situations where something, typically data or information, cannot be retrieved. This is common in technical writing, error messages, and when describing system failures. For less technical scenarios, consider alternatives like "failed to retrieve" or "unable to obtain".

What are some alternatives to "could not fetch"?

Alternatives to "could not fetch" include "failed to retrieve", "unable to obtain", "did not manage to get", and "could not acquire". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "could not fetch" formal or informal?

"Could not fetch" is generally considered neutral in tone. While it's commonly used in technical contexts, it is not overly formal. In less technical situations, consider using more straightforward alternatives like "could not get" or "could not find".