to retrieve it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to retrieve it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the action of getting something back or recovering an item or information. Example: "I need to retrieve it from the storage room before the meeting starts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If your dog gets lost, you can pinpoint its coordinates online before going to retrieve it.

The New York Times - Tech

Divers had to retrieve it.

The New York Times - Sports

No way to retrieve it.

Yale University

Her agent commanded her to retrieve it.

The Guardian

Somehow he has to retrieve it.

The Guardian - Film

dynamic_cast later if you need to retrieve it.

Stanford University

I hope one day I can come to retrieve it".

The New York Times

Unimpressed, his coach commands him to retrieve it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Should I have jumped to retrieve it myself?

The New York Times

When he tries to retrieve it next evening, it's gone.

The New Yorker

Left fielder Brian Daubach raced to retrieve it and slipped.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to retrieve it" when you want to convey a sense of formality or precision in recovering something, especially when the item might be difficult to obtain.

Common error

Avoid using "to retrieve it" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "to get it back" might be more appropriate in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to retrieve it" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a verb complement or part of a larger verb phrase. Ludwig's examples show its use in indicating the action of recovering something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to retrieve it" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the act of getting something back. According to Ludwig, it's deemed correct and suitable for various writing styles. Its prevalence in News & Media and Academia suggests a neutral to formal tone. While it is common, it is also important to consider simpler alternatives like "to get it back" for informal contexts. By considering these factors, writers can effectively use "to retrieve it" to convey the intended meaning with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to get it back

This is a more straightforward and informal way of saying "to retrieve it".

to recover it

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal than "to get it back".

to reclaim it

Implies a sense of rightful ownership or a previous claim.

to take it back

Suggests a more forceful or deliberate action of recovering something.

to reacquire it

This implies that the item was previously owned but lost or given away.

to fetch it

A simpler, more direct way to say "to retrieve it", often used in everyday contexts.

to bring it back

Emphasizes the act of returning something to its original location or owner.

to regain possession of it

A formal and legalistic way to describe the act of getting something back.

to obtain its return

This phrasing emphasizes the action of something being returned.

to secure its recovery

Focuses on ensuring that the item is successfully retrieved.

FAQs

What does "to retrieve it" mean?

The phrase "to retrieve it" means to get something back, often after it has been lost, misplaced, or taken away. It suggests a deliberate effort to recover the item or information.

When is it appropriate to use "to retrieve it"?

It is appropriate to use "to retrieve it" in situations where you want to sound formal or precise, particularly when discussing recovering something important or difficult to access. It's common in news, academic writing, and professional contexts.

What are some alternatives to "to retrieve it"?

Some alternatives include "to get it back", "to recover it", or "to reclaim it". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired. For example, "to get it back" is less formal.

How can I use "to retrieve it" in a sentence?

You can use "to retrieve it" in a sentence like this: "The company needs to develop a new system to retrieve it's lost data efficiently".