I still retained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I still retained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that has been kept or maintained over time, often in the context of knowledge, skills, or memories. Example: "Despite the years that have passed, I still retained the lessons I learned from my mentor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And that's been demonstrated by people who work at Bain, by all of the documents, but I still retained an ownership interest, I had the capacity if I were not on leave, if I were actually wanting to run the business, to do so, but I did not.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I confess I still retain some affection for Oscar.

The New York Times

"I still retain a feeling of how Africa could be".

The New York Times

"I still retain an agent who edits the books and advises on promotions because you'd be a fool to put a book out there without expert opinion.

The Guardian - Money

This kind of links in with my 'love not lust' argument that I still retain, but I still would've preferred to have something actually related to love instead of what.. that... featured.

The Guardian

But I still retain the tiny, irrational hope that the whole thing will turn out to have been a terrible mistake (for all the good it would do me at that point).

The New Yorker

Here I am trying to rediscover landscapes and memories of my childhood, very precious things, and to avoid as far as possible adolescent memories, toward which I still retain some leftover rancor.

The New Yorker

I still retain a particular affection for the clear lines of Batman Begins, with its bold new take on an origins story that we had all come to take for granted.

The Guardian - Film

Slightly disappointed with an ABED, However since I have once before taken my A-levels at another college and received an A in Drama do I still retain this grade or has it lost its value since deciding to retake the year.

BBC

"It's been almost 14 years now since I've left my home reserve, but I still retain my language.

Unicef

I understand it still retained a state department, for instance, and the CIA.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I still retained" when you want to emphasize that you maintained something despite the passage of time or changing circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "I still retained" when you simply mean you currently have something. This phrase is best used when highlighting that you kept something that might have been lost or changed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I still retained" functions as a statement of continued possession or maintenance of something from a past point in time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, demonstrating its acceptance within standard linguistic conventions. It's used to show that something was kept or maintained over time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I still retained" is a grammatically sound way to express the continued possession of something from a point in the past, often implying perseverance against potential loss or change. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, making it suitable for news, formal, and business contexts. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the maintenance of something over time, rather than simply indicating current possession.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I continue to hold

Emphasizes the continuation of possessing something, replacing "retained" with "hold".

I still possess

Substitutes "retained" with "possess", highlighting ownership or control.

I have kept until now

Focuses on the act of keeping something until the present moment.

I maintain to this day

Emphasizes the act of maintaining something continuously.

I have always preserved

Highlights the effort made to keep something intact.

I have not relinquished

Focuses on the act of not giving something up.

I have held onto

Emphasizes clinging to something over time.

I still haven't lost

Highlights the absence of loss, implying continued possession.

I continue to carry

Suggests maintaining something abstract, like a feeling or belief.

I have not forgotten

Specifically refers to retaining memories or knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "I still retained" in a sentence?

Use "I still retained" to indicate that you kept something, like a skill or memory, over a period. For example: "Even after all these years, I still retained my ability to play the piano."

What can I say instead of "I still retained"?

You can use alternatives like "I still possess", "I continue to hold", or "I have kept until now" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I still retained"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the preservation of something over time, particularly when it might have been expected to diminish or be lost. This is subtly different from saying you simply have something.

Is "I still retain" different from "I still retained"?

Yes, "I still retain" implies a current, ongoing state of possession or maintenance, whereas "I still retained" refers to something kept from the past up to the present. The latter carries a nuance of perseverance.