retrieved on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retrieved on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of retrieving information or data from a source or location. For example: "The data was retrieved on March 14th from the company's database." "Please note that this information was last retrieved on July 1st, and may have since been updated." "According to the website, the document was last retrieved on October 10th." In each of these examples, "retrieved on" is used to indicate the date on which the information was obtained or accessed. This phrasing is commonly used in academic writing, research reports, and other formal contexts where the accuracy and timeliness of information is important.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These data, in combination with quicker reaction times for the retrieval of known than unknown statements, suggest that known statements can be successfully retrieved on the basis of familiarity, whereas unknown statements were retrieved on the basis of recollection.

Duke University

A handgun was retrieved on the scene.

The New York Times

Retrieved on 29 May , 2001from UNEPWCMC.

Cornell University

Retrieved on November 6, 2007, from http://www.wcs.org/sw-home.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Retrieved on 31/03/2017 at https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/teleconnections/pdo/ (2017).

Nature

Once the driver is behind the wheel, the directions can be retrieved on the navigation unit.

The New York Times

Retrieved on 31/03/2017 at http://origin.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/ensostuff/ONI_v4.

Nature

Further records on the case could not immediately be retrieved on Wednesday.

The Guardian

"It is the most expensive piece of rock ever retrieved on Earth," said Schaefer.

Columbia University

Retrieved on November 18 , 2007 from http://www.msc.org/html/content_462.htm.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Majors were retrieved on-board within 12 hr after collection.

Geochemical Transactions

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When citing sources, always include the date you "retrieved on" information, especially for online sources that may change over time. This ensures transparency and allows readers to verify the information's validity at the time of your research.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that data was "retrieved" without specifying the date. Omitting this information can lead to confusion if the source material is updated or removed, making it difficult for readers to verify your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retrieved on" functions as a prepositional phrase often used in citations and references. It specifies the date on which information was accessed or obtained from a particular source. Ludwig AI explains its use in academic and formal writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

Academia

26%

News & Media

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "retrieved on" is a prepositional phrase primarily used in academic, scientific, and formal writing to indicate the date on which information was accessed from a source. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to specify the timeliness and validity of information. It is grammatically correct and falls under a formal register. Although commonly used, especially in scientific publications and news media, omitting the retrieval date is a frequent error. When citing online sources, it's best practice to always include the date you "retrieved on" the information to ensure transparency and allow readers to verify the information's validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accessed on

Focuses on the act of gaining entry to information, data, or a system at a particular time, rather than the act of getting it back.

obtained from

Emphasizes the source from which something was acquired, highlighting the origin more than the timing.

accessed from

Specifies the location or source from which something was accessed, similar to obtained from but with a focus on digital access.

gathered from

Implies a collection process from multiple sources, which adds a nuance of compilation not present in "retrieved on".

collected on

Suggests a more deliberate and organized effort to accumulate data or items, often for a specific purpose.

downloaded on

Specifically refers to the action of transferring data from one computer system to another, narrower than "retrieved on".

extracted from

Indicates a process of carefully drawing out specific information or substances, often from a larger context.

found on

Highlights the discovery of something at a particular location or platform, lacking the implication of a retrieval process.

identified in

Emphasizes the recognition or detection of something within a source or context, differing from the act of retrieval.

consulted on

Implies seeking advice or information from a source, shifting the focus from mere retrieval to a more interactive process.

FAQs

How do I properly use "retrieved on" in a citation?

When citing online sources, include the date you accessed the information using the phrase "retrieved on". For example: "Data retrieved on July 16, 2025, from example.com."

What's the difference between "accessed on" and "retrieved on"?

"Retrieved on" and "accessed on" can often be used interchangeably, but "retrieved on" may imply a more active process of obtaining data, while "accessed on" simply means you viewed the information.

When should I use "retrieved on" versus "published on"?

Use "published on" when you know the original publication date of a source. Use "retrieved on" when you are citing dynamic online content where the publication date is unclear or when the content is subject to change.

Are there alternatives to using the phrase "retrieved on"?

While "retrieved on" is common, you can also use phrases like "accessed on", "obtained from" (if specifying the source), or simply include the date of access in your citation without explicitly stating "retrieved on".