to extract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to extract" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the act of removing or isolating something from a larger object, system, or situation. For example, "The investigators sought to extract useful information from the witness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We had to extract the tumour".

Independent

"Heartbleed only enabled hackers to extract information.

Independent

It is easy to extract platelets.

The New York Times

Canadian oil is hard to extract.

The Economist

It is to extract profit from struggle.

The New Yorker

"That was a great insight to extract.

The New York Times - Sports

You had to extract them very carefully.

The New York Times - Health

Gently press to extract any additional liquid.

The New York Times - Food

There may be more to extract.

The Guardian - Sport

You have to extract and construct them.

The Guardian - Books

Engineers know how to extract resources.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to extract" when you want to emphasize a careful or methodical process of removing something from a source. For example, "to extract data" or "to extract meaning".

Common error

Avoid using "to extract" when a simpler verb like "to remove" or "to take out" would suffice. Overusing "to extract" can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or technical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to extract" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase. It typically introduces the purpose of an action, indicating the aim of removing or obtaining something specific. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from extracting information to physical substances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to extract" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to describe the careful removal or derivation of something specific from a source. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Its formality ranges from neutral to formal, making it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and technical writing. Remember to use it when precision matters, and avoid overuse in scenarios where simpler verbs would suffice. When writing, keep in mind that you can use alternatives, but that may impact the nuance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to draw out

Focuses on the action of pulling something out, similar to extracting but less technical.

to obtain

Emphasizes the act of gaining or acquiring something, differing from extracting by not necessarily implying physical removal.

to derive

Highlights the process of obtaining something from a source, like extracting information or meaning.

to remove

Indicates taking something away, differing from extracting by not always implying careful or precise action.

to pull out

Similar to "to draw out", but can also imply more force or effort.

to elicit

Focuses on drawing forth a response or information, which is a more specific type of extraction.

to distill

Highlights refining something down to its essence, a metaphorical extraction.

to glean

Refers to gathering information bit by bit, similar to extracting information gradually.

to expropriate

Implies taking something, often property, for public use, a more forceful kind of extraction.

to appropriate

Means to take something for one's own use, similar to extracting resources or ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "to extract" in a sentence?

You can use "to extract" in a sentence to indicate the process of carefully removing or obtaining something from a source, such as "Scientists are working to extract DNA from ancient fossils" or "The software helps to extract key data points from large datasets".

What are some alternatives to "to extract"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to remove", "to obtain", "to derive", or "to draw out". Consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing a substitute.

When is it appropriate to use "to extract" instead of "to remove"?

"To extract" is best used when describing a process that involves careful or skillful removal, often with the intention of isolating a specific element or piece of information. "To remove" is more general and can refer to any kind of taking away.

Is "to extract" formal or informal?

"To extract" tends to be more formal and technical than simpler alternatives like "to take out" or "to pull out". It is commonly used in scientific, technical, and professional contexts.