retrieve him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retrieve him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of getting someone back or bringing someone to a specific location. Example: "We need to retrieve him from the meeting before it ends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They needed to rush to retrieve him.

The New York Times

When they returned to retrieve him, his boat was there.

The New York Times - Sports

Joanne Boogaard came from Saskatchewan to retrieve him.

The New York Times - Sports

The next day, his father comes to retrieve him.

The New Yorker

It was two days before the streets were clear enough for a son to retrieve him.

The New York Times

The following morning, Abdeslam called two friends in Brussels, who drove to Paris to retrieve him.

The New Yorker

When they finally circled back to retrieve him, he had slipped below the surface.

The New York Times - Magazine

Several times, one waiter or another came over to retrieve him, but I waved them off.

The New Yorker

When Manager Joe Girardi came out to retrieve him to a round of boos, Vazquez was his sole concern.

The New York Times - Sports

They informed Glover that the F.B.I. was currently searching his house; they had been sent to retrieve him.

The New Yorker

But one night Marty bolts and roams the city, and the other three follow, hoping to retrieve him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "get him back" or "bring him back" in more informal settings for a more natural tone.

Common error

While "retrieve him" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "get him" or "bring him" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retrieve him" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "retrieve" is the transitive verb and "him" is the direct object. This structure indicates the action of getting someone back. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retrieve him" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signifies the act of bringing someone back. Ludwig's analysis, supported by a wide array of examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its validity and versatility. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards formality and should be used judiciously in casual settings. Remember to consider simpler alternatives like "get him back" or "bring him back" for more informal conversations. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English when referring to the act of getting someone back or bringing someone to a specific location.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go get him

This alternative is a more direct way to say it.

get him back

This alternative is more informal.

bring him back

This alternative is a more general way to express the action.

bring him home

This alternative is used when the destination is home.

fetch him

This alternative is more casual.

recover him

This alternative implies that he was lost or in a difficult situation.

rescue him

This alternative implies that he is in danger.

collect him

This alternative suggests a planned or scheduled pickup.

escort him back

This alternative implies a guarded return.

extract him

This alternative implies a difficult or dangerous removal.

FAQs

How can I use "retrieve him" in a sentence?

You can use "retrieve him" to indicate bringing someone back from a place or situation. For example: "The team was sent to retrieve him from the embassy."

What are some alternatives to "retrieve him"?

Alternatives include "get him back", "bring him back", or "fetch him" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "retrieve him" formal or informal?

"Retrieve him" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "get him back" or "fetch him", but it's appropriate for both formal and neutral contexts.

What does it mean to "retrieve him"?

To "retrieve him" means to go and get someone back, often from a specific location or situation. It implies a deliberate act of bringing someone back.