were retrieved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were retrieved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing items or data that have been taken back or recovered from a source. Example: "The lost files were retrieved from the backup server after the system crash."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Three pistols were retrieved from the scene.

The Economist

Firstly, existing toolboxes were retrieved.

Ocean & Coastal Management

No common bands were retrieved.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Patients' clinical records were retrieved.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

In total, 398 relevant papers were retrieved.

Journal of Hospital Infection

Six studies including 518 patients were retrieved.

Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care

In total, 1145 papers were retrieved.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Full texts of relevant abstracts were retrieved.

Progress in Orthodontics

No completed unpublished studies were retrieved.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Similar samples were retrieved from control animals.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Case notes and radiographs were retrieved.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "were recovered", "were obtained", or "were collected" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

While "were retrieved" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound vague or indirect. Actively consider rephrasing sentences to use active voice where appropriate for clearer and more engaging communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were retrieved" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject received the action of being retrieved. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across various contexts, primarily in describing the recovery of data, items, or information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were retrieved" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase used to describe the act of recovering or obtaining something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across scientific, news, and business contexts. While versatile, it's essential to be mindful of the passive voice and consider using active voice for clarity when appropriate. Remember to consider alternative phrases like "were recovered" or "were obtained" to enhance your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "were retrieved" into your writing while maintaining clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were recovered

Emphasizes the act of getting something back, especially after it was lost or stolen. It carries a slightly stronger connotation of overcoming a negative situation.

were obtained

Focuses on the acquisition or gaining possession of something, often through a deliberate effort or process.

were collected

Highlights the act of gathering multiple items together, typically for a specific purpose or analysis.

were gathered

Similar to 'were collected', but can also imply a more passive or natural accumulation rather than an active collection process.

were extracted

Suggests a process of carefully removing or drawing something out from a larger context or source.

were accessed

Emphasizes the act of gaining entry or the ability to use or view something, often data or information.

were secured

Highlights the act of making something safe or certain, often implying that it was previously at risk.

were identified

Focuses on the act of recognizing or discovering something, often after a search or investigation.

were located

Emphasizes finding the position or place of something, especially after it was missing or unknown.

were unearthed

Suggests discovering something that was hidden or buried, often implying a sense of surprise or uncovering new information.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were retrieved" indicates that something has been recovered or obtained. For example, "The lost documents were retrieved from the archive" or "The stolen artifacts were retrieved by the police".

What are some alternatives to "were retrieved"?

Alternatives include "were recovered", "were obtained", "were collected", or "were extracted" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "were retrieved"?

While "were retrieved" is in passive voice, active voice can sometimes be clearer. For example, instead of "The data were retrieved", you could say "Researchers retrieved the data". Use the voice that best suits the emphasis and clarity of your sentence.

What's the difference between "were retrieved" and "were returned"?

"Were retrieved" implies something was actively sought out and recovered. "Were returned", on the other hand, suggests something was given back or restored to its original place. The key difference lies in the action and context of recovery versus restoration.