I retain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I retain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that you keep or hold onto something, such as information, memories, or rights. Example: "Despite the passage of time, I retain the knowledge I gained from that experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Zigmond and Snaith [ 1] drew up the HADS with two objectives: i) retain only items "based solely on the psychic symptoms of neurosis" (p. 362), ii) "to define carefully and distinguish between the concepts of anxiety and depression" (id).

BMC Psychiatry

The final list was manually curated to (i) retain some specific, informative metabolites even if they were involved in more than eight reactions; and to (ii) exclude additional uninformative metabolites even if they were involved in eight or less reactions.

BMC Systems Biology

It's what I retain of that experience.

The New York Times - Health

How do I retain my identity without demonstrating every step?

The Guardian

"Football things I retain pretty well," Kelly said.

The New York Times - Sports

But I retain the right to do whatever I want".

The Guardian - Arts

Still, I retain a soft spot for Home Fires, maybe out of British patriotism.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Offer in hand, I got a wonderful new agent whom I retain today.

The Guardian - Film

I retain the skill to dictate an article of any given length without counting the words.

The Guardian

Confession: I retain the same blind love for Italia 90 today that struck me then.

The Guardian - Sport

The book may be shocking but I retain a sense of optimism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I retain" when you want to express a conscious effort to keep or maintain something, be it a memory, skill, or right.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "I retain" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I keep" or "I remember" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I retain" functions as a statement of maintaining possession or memory. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates it's used to express the act of keeping something, whether it's a skill, memory, or right. The phrase suggests a deliberate holding onto something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I retain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating that one keeps or maintains something, be it a memory, skill, or right. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science, suggesting a formal tone. While acceptable in various contexts, simpler alternatives like "I keep" or "I remember" might be more appropriate in informal settings. It's crucial to consider the context and desired level of formality when choosing to use "I retain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I maintain

Focuses more on continuous or consistent possession or upholding something.

I preserve

Emphasizes keeping something safe from harm or decay, often over a long period.

I keep

A more general term for holding or possessing something.

I hold onto

Implies a deliberate effort to not lose something, either physically or metaphorically.

I remember

Specifically refers to keeping something in one's memory.

I possess

Highlights ownership or control over something.

I sustain

Suggests supporting or upholding something, preventing it from failing or declining.

I conserve

Emphasizes careful management and preservation of resources.

I safeguard

Focuses on protecting something from potential threats or dangers.

I cherish

Implies holding something with great affection and care.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I retain"?

You can use alternatives like "I keep", "I maintain", or "I remember" depending on the context.

How to use "I retain" in a sentence?

The phrase "I retain" is used to express that you still possess or remember something. For example, "I retain a vivid memory of that day" or "I retain the right to make my own decisions."

Which is correct, "I retain" or "I maintain"?

Both "I retain" and "I maintain" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "I retain" suggests keeping something you already have, while "I maintain" implies continuing to uphold or support something.

What's the difference between "I retain" and "I remember"?

"I retain" suggests a conscious act of keeping something, such as information or a right, while "I remember" specifically refers to keeping something in one's memory. "I retain the right to choose" versus "I remember the day we met".