The left inferior prefrontal cortex (LIPC) plays a key role in controlled semantic retrieval, as shown by an event-related fMRI study. The study challenges the theory that LIPC is involved in selecting task-relevant knowledge from competing representations, instead suggesting that LIPC guides controlled semantic retrieval regardless of whether selection is required. LIPC activation increased with higher semantic retrieval demands and the level of control needed during retrieval. The study also found that LIPC activation was sensitive to the number of targets and the strength of cue-target associations, with greater activation observed when these factors were higher. These findings support the hypothesis that LIPC is involved in controlled semantic retrieval, rather than just selection. The study also highlights the distinct roles of anterior and posterior LIPC regions in controlled retrieval, with anterior LIPC being more sensitive to cue-target associative strength. The results suggest that LIPC is crucial for controlled semantic retrieval, particularly when automatic retrieval mechanisms are insufficient. The study provides strong evidence that LIPC mediates controlled semantic retrieval, even in the absence of selection demands.The left inferior prefrontal cortex (LIPC) plays a key role in controlled semantic retrieval, as shown by an event-related fMRI study. The study challenges the theory that LIPC is involved in selecting task-relevant knowledge from competing representations, instead suggesting that LIPC guides controlled semantic retrieval regardless of whether selection is required. LIPC activation increased with higher semantic retrieval demands and the level of control needed during retrieval. The study also found that LIPC activation was sensitive to the number of targets and the strength of cue-target associations, with greater activation observed when these factors were higher. These findings support the hypothesis that LIPC is involved in controlled semantic retrieval, rather than just selection. The study also highlights the distinct roles of anterior and posterior LIPC regions in controlled retrieval, with anterior LIPC being more sensitive to cue-target associative strength. The results suggest that LIPC is crucial for controlled semantic retrieval, particularly when automatic retrieval mechanisms are insufficient. The study provides strong evidence that LIPC mediates controlled semantic retrieval, even in the absence of selection demands.