I would retain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I would retain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to keep or hold onto something in the future. Example: "In this situation, I would retain my right to make the final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Me?" Still, I would retain the buoyant sensation of having escaped being sick of my single self.

The New York Times

Also, I would always prefer to decline an unjust offer that would make me look desperate (or worse: bankrupt).If, for whatever reason, I was forced into accepting a low offer, I would retain a very low opinion of the offerer.

The Economist

I would retain the AG policy.

Forbes

If I were Ted, I would retain my AG static-priced policy and tell Hugo to go pound sand.

Forbes

I had assumed that by staying in a familiar neighborhood, I would retain a more or less familiar routine.

Huffington Post

And I absolutely do believe that if I was ever in a helicopter that came under fire in the skies over Iraq, I would retain total recall of the event.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Unconsciously, I blocked everybody else out while I worked out the basic math to estimate the percentage of lung capacity I'd retain.

Los Angeles Times

Several years ago when I bought a flash drive, the clerk said it would retain info for five years.

The New York Times

"But it would retain the scale of Park Slope".

The New York Times

BlueLight said it would retain some Spinway employees.

The New York Times

Budget said it would retain a 19.9percentt stake.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I would retain" when you want to express a hypothetical or conditional intention to keep or maintain something. It's often used in formal contexts or when discussing potential future actions. For example, "If I were in charge, I would retain the current policies."

Common error

Avoid using "I would retain" in very informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "I would keep" or "I'd hold onto" are often more appropriate for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I would retain" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a conditional or hypothetical intention to keep or preserve something. As Ludwig AI states, it expresses a desire or intention to keep or hold onto something in the future. It is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I would retain" is a grammatically sound construction used to express a conditional or hypothetical intention to keep something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When simpler language is preferred, alternatives like "I would keep" or "I would hold onto" are available. Avoid using this expression in informal conversation to maintain a natural tone. Remember that "I would retain" implies a potential action based on specific conditions, differentiating it from the definitive "I will retain".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would keep

This alternative is a more direct and common synonym, suitable for most contexts.

I would maintain

This suggests a more active effort to preserve or continue something.

I would hold onto

Implies clinging to something, often against some force or challenge.

I would preserve

This is more formal and emphasizes the importance of maintaining something in its original condition.

I would safeguard

Suggests protecting something valuable or important from harm.

I would conserve

Implies using resources carefully to avoid depletion.

I would hang on to

More colloquial and implies keeping something for sentimental or practical reasons.

I would not relinquish

This is a more emphatic way of saying one would not give something up.

I would not surrender

This suggests refusing to give up something, often in a conflict or negotiation.

I would defend

Implies protecting something from attack or opposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "I would retain" to express a hypothetical intention to keep something. For example, "If I were the manager, "I would retain" the current team structure."

What's a simpler way to say "I would retain"?

Alternatives include "I would keep", "I would hold onto", or "I would maintain". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "I would retain" formal or informal?

"I would retain" leans towards the formal side. In informal contexts, it's often better to use simpler alternatives like "I would keep".

What is the difference between "I would retain" and "I will retain"?

"I would retain" expresses a conditional or hypothetical intention, while "I will retain" expresses a definite intention. For example, "If the company offers me the position, "I would retain" my current investment strategy" (hypothetical), versus "After careful consideration, "I will retain" my current investment strategy" (definite).