I retain it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I retain it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that you still have possession or memory of something. Example: "Despite the passage of time, I retain it in my memory as if it were yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I appreciate this one more because it's been more difficult to retain the award and I've put in a lot of hard work to see that I retain it.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

After World War I, it retained its chemicals business and moved into the consumer field, becoming one of the first companies to use market research to discover potential consumer needs and creating products to fill them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Without such evidence, I would retain it in its present form.

Cornell University

In spite of the misleading nature of the jargon of speaker meaning I shall retain it rather than introduce new nomenclature.

SEP

I have a fond summertime memory of her explaining Gödel's Proof to me; I wish I had retained it, though I recall an indecently vivid picture of sets struggling, in vain, to contain themselves.

The New Yorker

." I have a fond summertime memory of her explaining Gödel's Proof to me; I wish I had retained it, though I recall an indecently vivid picture of sets struggling, in vain, to contain themselves.

The New Yorker

Does it retain its power?

The Guardian - Books

This will help it retain its shape.

WikiHow

"I hope it retains its spirit and doesn't become as restrictive as New Year's Eve in New York".

The New York Times - Sports

"It'll be very, very close," he said, "but I think we will retain it".

The New York Times

I doubt Leicester can retain it while also coping with European demands.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "I retain it" in very casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or stilted in contexts where simpler phrasing like "I keep it" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I retain it" functions as a statement of continued possession, memory, or control. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. The verb 'retain' implies a conscious effort to keep or maintain something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I retain it" is a grammatically sound and relatively formal way to express that you continue to possess or remember something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While "I keep it" might be suitable for casual contexts, "I retain it" suggests a more deliberate holding onto information, control or possession. Consider the context and audience to ensure the most suitable tone and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I keep it

Focuses on maintaining possession or control, similar to retaining.

I hold onto it

Emphasizes maintaining physical or metaphorical possession.

I maintain it

Highlights the act of keeping something in good condition or preserving it.

I preserve it

Focuses on keeping something safe from harm or decay.

I still have it

Simple statement of continued possession.

I haven't lost it

Highlights the fact that something has not been misplaced or forgotten.

I remember it

Shifts the focus to retaining a memory or piece of information.

I've held on to it

Indicates a deliberate act of keeping something over time.

It's still mine

Emphasizes ownership and continued possession.

I possess it still

A more formal way of stating continued ownership.

FAQs

What does "I retain it" mean?

The phrase "I retain it" means that you continue to possess or remember something. It implies that you have kept it in your possession or memory and have not lost or forgotten it.

How can I use "I retain it" in a sentence?

You can use "I retain it" when you want to emphasize that you are consciously keeping something, whether it's information, a physical object, or a quality. For example, "Despite the years that have passed, I retain it in my memory as if it were yesterday."

What can I say instead of "I retain it"?

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

Is "I retain it" formal or informal?

"I retain it" is more formal than alternatives like "I keep it". Consider the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate phrase.