Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
retrievable by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'retrievable by' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that can be retrieved (or obtained) from a particular source. For example, "The data is retrievable by downloading the software."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
14 human-written examples
Many people are worried, understandably, that everything we do — online and off — is retrievable by the government.
News & Media
"Deleted files are easily retrievable by anyone with a larcenous streak and a modicum of tech savvy," he warned.
News & Media
Officials, though, said that only a small fraction of the millions of documents in the Archives would be fully retrievable by computer, though electronic versions of significant documents will be provided to schools.
News & Media
Whether written by a freelancer or staff member, each article is presented to, and retrievable by, the user in isolation, clear of the context the original print publication presented.
News & Media
My identity and medical information will be retrievable by any physician via my RFID chip, regardless of my ability to respond.
News & Media
Family members may want these for identification purposes, but the larger bones are the only ones retrievable by untrained observers.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
43 human-written examples
The paper concludes with an updated list of 17 EROs, as of April 2016, with their maximum retrievable masses by means of low thrust propulsion.
Science
The objective of image steganography is to hide secret information in nondescript areas of the carrier image such that the changes made to the image are imperceptible, and the secret information itself is retrievable only by authorized, informed personnel [4].
Science
Completed survey data were retrievable only by one of the study investigators (LG) who is not affiliated with any of the regulatory colleges.
Science
Completed survey data were retrievable only by one of the study investigators (LG) who is not affiliated with any of the professional colleges.
Science
After transcription the data were organized into retrievable sections by assigning a code to each FGD and interview respectively using word-processing file.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "retrievable by" to clearly indicate the means or agent through which something can be accessed or recovered. For instance, specify that "data is retrievable by authorized personnel only".
Common error
Avoid using "retrievable" without specifying the means or agent by which the retrieval occurs. Saying something is simply "retrievable" lacks clarity; specify who or what can retrieve it.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "retrievable by" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, indicating the means or agent through which something can be accessed or recovered. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability in written English.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
40%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "retrievable by" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for specifying the means through which something can be accessed or recovered. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While more common in news and scientific contexts, it maintains a generally neutral to formal register. To ensure clarity, always specify the agent or method of retrieval. Alternative phrases like "accessible by" or "recoverable by" can be used depending on the nuances you wish to convey. The phrase's frequency is considered uncommon, but its consistent usage in authoritative sources makes it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
recoverable by
Replaces "retrievable" with "recoverable", emphasizing the act of regaining something lost or hidden.
accessible by
Focuses on the ability to gain access to something, rather than the act of retrieving.
obtainable by
Highlights the possibility of getting or acquiring something through a particular means.
extractable by
Emphasizes the process of removing or drawing something out from a source.
attainable through
Suggests that something can be achieved or reached by means of a specific action.
secured through
Implies that something is made safe or certain by a specific method.
derivable from
Indicates that something can be traced or obtained from a particular origin or source.
recapturable by
Focuses on the ability to capture something again through a specific action or method.
regainable through
Suggests the possibility of getting something back through a particular process.
salvageable by
Highlights the possibility of saving something from loss or damage through a specific action.
FAQs
How do I use "retrievable by" in a sentence?
Use "retrievable by" to show how something can be accessed or recovered. For instance, "The information is "retrievable by" using a specific password".
What are some alternatives to "retrievable by"?
Alternatives include "accessible by", "obtainable by", or "recoverable by", depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "easily retrievable"?
Yes, "easily retrievable" is correct and indicates that something can be retrieved without difficulty. For example, "The files are "easily retrievable" from the cloud storage".
What is the difference between "retrievable by" and "recoverable by"?
While similar, "retrievable by" generally refers to accessing something stored, while "recoverable by" often implies regaining something lost. You might say "data is "retrievable by" a specific query" but "files are "recoverable by" using backup software".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested