retrieve

USAGE SUMMARY

"retrieve" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it in instances when you need to make reference to the action of finding or getting back something or someone. For example, "I quickly retrieved my lost keys from the grass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the truth is it already has, and it is hard to see how Kiev can retrieve the lost territory without the use of force on a scale that would be hard to contain – and that the precarious Kiev government may not even have.

The Guardian - Opinion

Laser physicists have built a reversible tractor beam and are using it to retrieve tiny particles.

The Guardian - Tech

Back it comes left, now, and Qld are lined up in bombing formation but Thurston throws a wild ball that he has to run 10m back to retrieve.

The Guardian - Sport

The site of the pipeline break, six miles upstream from the high-plains city of Glendive, Montana, is almost entirely capped in ice, complicating efforts to retrieve the oil and slowing the response process.

The Guardian

These stressful thoughts, not surprisingly, can block your brain's ability to retrieve what is stored in its memory, as well as making it harder to understand the questions and organise your thoughts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Everett (George Clooney) is self-elected leader of three chain-gang escapees who set out to retrieve the $1.2m bank heist loot he claims to have buried.

The Guardian

Apple's statement said: "Regardless of the circumstances, our legal team conducts an evaluation of each request and, only if appropriate, we retrieve and deliver the narrowest possible set of information to the authorities.

The Guardian - Tech

Updated at 3.49pm BST Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.50pm BST14:50 Peter Sagan has dropped from the back of the peloton, and his Cannondale team-mates have had to give up their position to retrieve him.

The Guardian - Sport

In the new box office topper, a shorts-wearing sea sponge attempts to retrieve a secret recipe from a pirate played by Antonio Banderas.

The Guardian - Film

Just hours after the Guardian story appeared Thoronka was arrested in south London by plainclothes police officers when he was running back to a park to retrieve his bag.

The Guardian

Informed sources say he will not be able retrieve his costs from the crown for the Scottish trial despite being acquitted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retrieve" when you want to emphasize the act of getting something back, whether it's a physical object, information, or a lost quality.

Common error

Avoid using "retrieve" when you mean to acquire something for the first time. "Retrieve" implies getting something back that was previously owned or lost; use "obtain", "acquire", or "get" instead for initial acquisition.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "retrieve" is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "retrieve" is used to describe the action of getting something back, such as "retrieve the lost territory" or "retrieve tiny particles".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retrieve" is a versatile transitive verb meaning to get something back, commonly used in news, science, and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. When using "retrieve", remember that it implies regaining something previously lost or inaccessible. Consider alternatives like "recover", "regain", or "fetch" for slight nuances in meaning. Avoid using "retrieve" when referring to acquiring something for the first time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recover

Emphasizes getting something back, often after a loss or difficulty.

recoup

Highlights recovering a loss or expense.

regain

Focuses on getting back something that was lost, especially qualities or positions.

reclaim

Focuses on asserting the right to get something back.

fetch

Implies going to get something and bringing it back.

salvage

Implies rescuing something from potential loss or destruction.

recapture

Suggests regaining control or possession.

recall

Specifically refers to bringing something back to memory.

extract

Suggests carefully taking something out of something else.

call up

Used when you try to remember or access information.

FAQs

How can I use "retrieve" in a sentence?

You can use "retrieve" when you want to indicate getting something back, for instance, "I need to retrieve my keys from the car."

What can I say instead of "retrieve"?

You can use alternatives like "recover", "regain", or "fetch" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "retrieve" or "retreive"?

"Retrieve" is the correct spelling. "Retreive" is a misspelling and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "retrieve" and "restore"?

"Retrieve" implies getting something back, while "restore" implies returning something to a previous condition.