it was retrieved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was retrieved" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been taken back or recovered, often in contexts involving data, information, or physical objects. Example: "After a thorough search, it was retrieved from the archives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

If the reviewer could not determine whether to exclude an article based on its abstracts and title, then it was retrieved for full text reading.

BMC Family Practice

Investigators are tracing the car's ownership after it was retrieved outside the mall.

The Guardian

It was retrieved by an Australian tourist, who answered when it rang.

The New York Times

If it does, the requested item has not changed since the last time it was retrieved.

The Economist

They tossed it in the trash bin, but it was retrieved by members of the church across the street.

The New York Times

They took the car, but it was retrieved an hour later because it was equipped with a satellite tracking system.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

But it is retrieved by the excellence of its manufacture and a fetishism that's always stranger, and therefore more compelling, than you may initially perceive.

The New York Times - Arts

In a roughly 14-minute procedure, it is retrieved the same way when its current design life of 24 weeks is up.

Los Angeles Times

It is retrieved via use of the backquotes.

Cornell University

Data will be watermarked only when it is retrieved through this proxy.

Computer Communications

That means the memory is in an unstable state, rewritten and remodeled every time it is retrieved.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was retrieved", ensure the subject ('it') is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The data was lost, but after a system restore, it was retrieved successfully."

Common error

Avoid using "it was retrieved" without clearly stating what "it" refers to. Ambiguous references can confuse readers. Be explicit to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was retrieved" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (it) underwent the action of being retrieved. Ludwig examples show it in contexts ranging from data recovery to physical object retrieval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was retrieved" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something has been successfully recovered or obtained. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "it was recovered" or "it was obtained" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, enhancing precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was recovered

This alternative emphasizes the act of regaining something lost or stolen.

it was regained

This alternative highlights the restoration of something to a previous state.

it was obtained

This alternative suggests a more formal or deliberate acquisition process.

it was brought back

This alternative suggests that something was returned to its original location

it was reclaimed

This alternative implies asserting a right to take something back.

it was gotten back

This is a more informal way of saying it was recovered.

it was extracted

This alternative focuses on the removal of something from a source.

it was salvaged

This alternative suggests saving something from damage or destruction.

it was unearthed

This alternative emphasizes the discovery of something hidden.

it was accessed

This alternative indicates gaining entry to something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it was retrieved"?

You can use alternatives like "it was recovered", "it was obtained", or "it was reclaimed" depending on the context.

How to use "it was retrieved" in a sentence?

Use "it was retrieved" to indicate that something was successfully recovered or obtained. For example, "The file was corrupted, but luckily, it was retrieved from a backup."

Is "it was retrieved" formal or informal?

"It was retrieved" is generally considered neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends more on the surrounding vocabulary.

What's the difference between "it was retrieved" and "it was removed"?

"It was retrieved" means something was recovered or taken back, while "it was removed" means something was taken away or eliminated. They have opposite meanings.