was retrieved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was retrieved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something has been taken back or recovered, often referring to data, information, or physical objects. Example: "The lost file was retrieved from the backup server after the system crash."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Etienne was retrieved.

The New Yorker

The ball was retrieved.

The New York Times - Sports

The ASD-ID was retrieved from69.

Nature

Another bottle was retrieved from the snow.

The Guardian - Travel

Her body was retrieved two days later.

The New Yorker

A handgun was retrieved on the scene.

The New York Times

Valid HPV genotyping data was retrieved for 2850 cases (97%).

Nature

After some hysteria the rightful coat was retrieved.

The New Yorker

He was retrieved, half-drowned, and smelling oddly of insecticide.

The New Yorker

His body was retrieved floating in a nearby river.

The Guardian

A 9-millimeter pistol was retrieved at the scene.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrasing such as "was recovered" or "was obtained" if you want to slightly shift the emphasis to the regaining or acquiring aspect, respectively.

Common error

Avoid using "was retrieved" when a simpler verb like "was found" or "was received" would suffice. "Was retrieved" implies a specific or intentional effort to locate and recover something, so it's less suitable for situations where something is simply given or discovered without particular effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was retrieved" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something has been actively recovered or obtained. Ludwig examples show it used across various contexts, from data retrieval to object recovery, emphasizing the action performed upon the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was retrieved" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the successful recovery or obtaining of something, often implying a deliberate or specific effort. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and academic domains. While highly functional and authoritative, it's important to consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the nature of the recovery or acquisition. Alternatives such as "was recovered" or "was obtained" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis, providing writers with options to tailor their language for precision. Remembering to use this phrase when highlighting an active recovery process and not simply a finding will enhance clarity and accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was recovered

Replaces "retrieved" with "recovered", emphasizing the regaining of something lost or stolen.

was regained

Similar to "was recovered" but specifically highlights regaining something previously lost.

was obtained

Substitutes "retrieved" with "obtained", focusing on the action of gaining possession of something.

was brought back

Replaces "retrieved" with a phrasal verb, emphasizing the return of something to its original place.

was reclaimed

Emphasizes the act of taking back something that was previously under someone else's control.

was fetched

Similar to "was retrieved" but usually implies a more active or deliberate effort to get something.

was extracted

Focuses on the removal of something from a source, aligning with contexts like data or information.

was secured

Emphasizes that something was safely obtained or recovered, often implying it was at risk.

was accessed

Highlights the action of gaining entry or the ability to use something, like data.

was collected

Emphasizes the gathering of multiple items or pieces of information.

FAQs

How can I use "was retrieved" in a sentence?

Use "was retrieved" when you want to emphasize the act of recovering something, such as "The data "was retrieved" from the backup server" or "The missing document "was retrieved" from the archive".

What are some alternatives to "was retrieved"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was recovered", "was obtained", or "was reclaimed" to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "was retrieved" in formal writing?

Yes, "was retrieved" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific, technical, or legal contexts where precision is important. However, ensure it accurately reflects the active recovery or obtaining of something rather than a simple finding.

What's the difference between "was retrieved" and "was found"?

"Was retrieved" implies a specific effort to locate and recover something, whereas "was found" suggests a more passive discovery without intentional searching. For instance, data "was retrieved" from a database, but a lost key was found under the couch.