to be retrieved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be retrieved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is expected to be collected or obtained, often referring to data or information. Example: "The files are stored in the cloud and can be retrieved at any time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That allows 1GB to be retrieved in about 10 minutes.

The Economist

But each fragment of memory has to be retrieved, in agony, from the Alzheimer's fog.

The Guardian - Film

He sees a bouncing ball that needs to be retrieved and relayed.

The New York Times - Sports

Events like Hurricane Katrina destroyed millions of important paper records, never to be retrieved again.

The New York Times

If a payment is missed, interest rolls up and the sums to be retrieved increase.

The Guardian - Money

These are easily imported, and so do not need to be retrieved once they are abandoned in international waters.

The Guardian

The bodies, which are at 8,000 metres (26,240 feet), had yet to be retrieved on Sunday.

The Guardian

He acknowledged regulars and counted people on benches waiting for books to be retrieved by library pages.

The New York Times

The whole thing fits easily into a daily carryall to be retrieved at the end of the day, wrinkle free.

The New York Times

Forty of these are baited and laid down in buoyed lines overnight, to be retrieved at dawn the following day.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

To evade customs, smugglers have been increasingly tossing illegal goods over the sides of shipping vessels to be retrieved by accomplices trailing behind.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be retrieved" when referring to data, information, or physical objects that need to be accessed or collected from a specific location or source. Ensure the context clearly indicates where and how the retrieval will occur.

Common error

Avoid using "to be retrieved" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The information needs to be retrieved by the user", consider "The user needs to retrieve the information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be retrieved" functions as a passive infinitive, often used adjectivally to describe something that needs to be accessed or collected. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage. Examples show it modifying nouns like "data", "records", and "bodies".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

44%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be retrieved" is a versatile and grammatically sound passive infinitive, predominantly used to indicate that something needs to be accessed or collected. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. Its prevalence in News & Media and Science domains underscores its adaptability across various contexts. When writing, focus on clearly indicating the source and method of retrieval and avoid using the passive voice when an active construction would be more direct. Related phrases, such as "to be recovered" or "to be obtained", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be recovered

Focuses on regaining something lost or taken away.

to be regained

Emphasizes the act of getting something back, often after a loss.

to be restored

Highlights returning something to its original condition or place.

to be extracted

Implies carefully taking something out from a source.

to be obtained

Focuses on the act of getting or acquiring something.

to be accessed

Highlights the ability to gain entry or make use of something.

to be collected

Indicates gathering or accumulating something together.

to be recalled

Focuses on bringing something back to memory.

to be reclaimed

Emphasizes the act of taking back what was once yours.

to be secured

Highlights making something safe and available for future use.

FAQs

How can I use "to be retrieved" in a sentence?

The phrase "to be retrieved" indicates something needs to be accessed or collected. For example: "The data is stored securely and is available "to be retrieved" at any time."

What are some alternatives to "to be retrieved"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "to be recovered", "to be obtained", or "to be accessed" as alternatives to "to be retrieved".

Is it correct to say "data to be retrieved"?

Yes, "data to be retrieved" is grammatically correct. It indicates that there is data that needs to be accessed or collected. For example: "The system identifies the data "to be retrieved" for processing."

What's the difference between "to be retrieved" and "to retrieve"?

"To be retrieved" is in the passive voice, indicating something will be accessed or collected by an unspecified actor. "To retrieve" is in the active voice, indicating someone or something will perform the action of retrieval. For example, "The file is "to be retrieved"" versus "The user needs "to retrieve" the file".