they have retrieved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they have retrieved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something has been obtained or brought back, typically in the context of data, information, or physical objects. Example: "After several hours of searching, they have retrieved the lost files from the server."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Charles Carlucci, the foreman told about weapons they have retrieved.

The New Yorker

The Bonds Navy members wear long-sleeve orange hoodies that are the equivalent of lettermen's jackets, replete with markings to celebrate milestone home run balls they have retrieved.

The New York Times - Sports

They have retrieved dozens of bodies, but the number of survivors, at 174, has not changed since the day the ship sank.The number confirmed to have died is more than 150, with nearly as many still missing.

The Economist

They have retrieved quite a lot of mail from Penobscot Bay, not much the worse for its trip, and I imagine their aim is improving all the time and one of these days a sack of mail will drop into the center of town or possibly go right through one of the picture windows.

The New Yorker

"What I have seen is that it is at best an estimate and it is based on what they have retrieved in the past".

BBC

Using helicopters, boats and naval commandos, troops say they have retrieved more than 76,500 people in flood-affected areas of Kashmir.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"If they had retrieved all of the video images … the story would have been different".

The Guardian

Officers then contacted a 47-year-old woman from upstate New York whose information they had retrieved from Ms. Payne.

The New York Times

South Korean defence officials later said they had retrieved what they believed to be a fairing dropped by the rocket as it hurtled towards the upper atmosphere.

The Guardian

Police officers at the scene said that they had retrieved some tape used to restrain the employee, which would be studied for fingerprints, but that as of 4 p.m., no arrests had been made.

The New York Times

MOSCOW — After federal forces descended on a dusty farming village in the southern republic of Ingushetia, Russian authorities said Friday that they had retrieved a burnt corpse, possibly of Aleksandr Tikhomirov, a charismatic militant leader.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they have retrieved" when you want to emphasize the action of bringing something back or recovering it, especially in situations where effort or difficulty was involved.

Common error

Avoid using "they have retrieved" when a simpler word like 'found' or 'got' would suffice. "Retrieved" implies a more deliberate and effortful process than simply finding something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they have retrieved" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It typically acts as the predicate of a sentence, indicating an action that has been completed by a group or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they have retrieved" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe the action of recovering or obtaining something. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that the phrase is primarily found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and general writing. While direct and applicable in a variety of situations, it's important to consider whether a more simple or direct term like "found" or "obtained" might be appropriate in certain situations to prevent overwriting. This analysis highlights the importance of carefully choosing words to match the context and desired tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they have recovered

Focuses on regaining possession, especially after a loss or difficulty.

they have obtained

Emphasizes the act of getting or acquiring something.

they have regained

Highlights the restoration of something previously lost.

they have reclaimed

Suggests taking back something that was once owned or controlled.

they have secured

Implies making something safe and obtaining it.

they have extracted

Focuses on carefully removing or drawing something out.

they have salvaged

Highlights saving something from damage or loss.

they have fetched

Indicates going to get something and bringing it back.

they have unearthed

Suggests discovering something hidden or buried.

they have reacquired

Emphasizes acquiring something again after a period of not having it.

FAQs

How can I use "they have retrieved" in a sentence?

You can use "they have retrieved" to describe the action of getting something back or recovering something. For instance, "After a long search, "they have retrieved" the missing documents".

What's the difference between "they have retrieved" and "they have recovered"?

"They have retrieved" generally implies bringing something back to its original place or condition, while "they have recovered" often suggests regaining something lost or overcoming a negative situation. They are very similar, but the specific context will determine which one fits best. It could be used interchangeably.

What can I say instead of "they have retrieved"?

You can use alternatives like "they have obtained", "they have recovered", or "they have secured" depending on the context.

Is "they have retrieved" formal or informal?

"They have retrieved" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in news reporting, scientific writing, and professional communications. In very casual conversations, simpler words might be preferred.