retrieve information

USAGE SUMMARY

"retrieve information" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to find or extract information. For example, "We used keywords to retrieve information from the database."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Participants gave written informed consent and permission to retrieve information from treating physicians.

European Journal of Epidemiology

Consumers can retrieve information on individual vehicles here.

The New York Times

"We found we needed people like Kellie to retrieve information," Mr. Brown said.

The New York Times - Tech

Here you can retrieve information on property taxes for buildings or condos.

The New York Times

Users can also log on to www.cardscan.net and retrieve information from any location.

The New York Times

That oversight allowed users of the search engine Google to retrieve information about the students.

The New York Times

Quest, based in Irvine, Calif., helps companies manage and retrieve information from large databases.

The New York Times

Query language, a computer programming language used to retrieve information from a database.

Britannica

Clearly, these workers could benefit from the computer's power to store and retrieve information.

The New York Times

If the vehicle is seen again, the RSO will attempt to retrieve information on the owner.

The Guardian

No need to tap your fingers as the apps retrieve information.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider using more specific synonyms of "retrieve information" like "extract", "collect", or "access" to more accurately convey the action you are describing. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

While "retrieve information" is correct, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to enhance readability and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retrieve information" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting as the predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of accessing and obtaining specific data. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, indicating it's suitable for various contexts. The phrase accurately describes the action of recovering specific details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retrieve information" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe the action of accessing and obtaining data. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts. While very common, consider using more specific synonyms like "extract" or "access" for clarity. It appears most frequently in science and news sources, with a neutral to formal register. To enhance your writing, avoid overuse and be mindful of the subtle differences between "retrieve", "recover", and other related terms. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and precisely communicate your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get information

A more general and informal way of saying "retrieve information".

extract information

Suggests carefully taking specific information from a larger source.

access data

Focuses on the technical action of accessing data rather than the broader concept of information retrieval.

collect data

Highlights the process of systematically gathering data, often for analysis or research.

find data

Highlights the act of locating data, often after a search.

obtain data

Emphasizes the act of getting data, often implying a more direct or simpler process than "retrieving".

draw information

Suggests obtaining information from multiple sources to form conclusions

gather intelligence

Implies collecting information, often in a strategic or investigative context.

acquire knowledge

Focuses on gaining understanding or awareness, rather than just accessing data.

recover data

Implies restoring data that was lost or damaged.

FAQs

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

You can use "retrieve information" to describe the act of finding and obtaining specific data. For example, "The software is designed to "retrieve information" from various databases efficiently".

What are some alternatives to "retrieve information"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "access data", "extract information", or "obtain data" as alternatives to "retrieve information".

Is it better to say "retrieve information" or "get information"?

"Retrieve information" is more formal and precise, often used in technical or academic contexts. "Get information" is more general and suitable for informal communication. The best choice depends on your audience and the tone you want to convey.

What's the difference between "retrieve information" and "recover data"?

"Retrieve information" refers to the general process of finding and accessing data. "Recover data" implies restoring data that was lost, corrupted, or damaged. While both involve accessing data, "recover" has a connotation of restoration after a problem.