able to retain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to retain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to keep or hold onto information, skills, or objects. Example: "She is able to retain a large amount of information from her studies, which helps her excel in exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With trans fat, we were able to retain the taste.

The New York Times

"Only by force are we able to retain our rights".

The New York Times

Graduated from college but was able to retain very little.

Harvard University

Sadly, few politicians are able to retain that image.

The Economist

These hydrogel nanofibers were able to retain fiber form after immersing in water for 24 h.

Polymer

Once wetted, the matrix is able to retain the moisture over a period of months.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

But until this month, Mr. King was able to retain his lead at 9 p.m.

The New York Times

And a tree that size, the spokesman said, is better able to retain moisture.

The New York Times

Norad itself was barely able to retain any alert bases at all.

The New York Times

With that valuation I have been able to retain a bit more ownership".

The Guardian - Business

That way we shall be able to retain respect for ourselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to retain", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being retained. For instance, specify whether it refers to information, skills, or physical objects.

Common error

Avoid using "able to retain" without clearly specifying what is being retained. This can lead to ambiguity and confusion for the reader. Always clarify the object, concept, or entity that is being maintained.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to retain" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capacity or capability to keep, hold, or maintain something. Ludwig AI indicates it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to retain" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the capacity to keep or maintain something, according to Ludwig AI. Its correct usage across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia makes it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Key considerations include ensuring clarity by specifying what is being retained and avoiding ambiguity. Remember to choose alternative phrases like "capable of maintaining" or "able to keep" to diversify your writing. With a strong grammatical foundation and wide applicability, mastering "able to retain" will undoubtedly enhance your writing proficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of maintaining

Replaces "able" with "capable" and "retain" with "maintain", emphasizing the capacity to keep something in a certain condition.

able to maintain possession of

Adds "possession of" to specify that something is kept under one's control or ownership.

in a position to keep

Uses a more descriptive phrase to convey the ability to hold onto something.

equipped to hold onto

Highlights the preparedness or readiness to maintain something.

fit to preserve

Emphasizes the suitability or appropriateness for maintaining something over time.

in a state to conserve

Focuses on the condition or situation that allows for the preservation of something.

competent to safeguard

Highlights the skill or ability to protect and maintain something.

authorized to keep

Specifies that there is permission or authorization to maintain something.

eligible to maintain

Indicates that specific requirements are met to be able to keep.

entitled to preserve

Highlights a legal or moral right to maintain something.

FAQs

How can I use "able to retain" in a sentence?

You can use "able to retain" to describe the capacity to keep or hold onto something, for example, "The new system is "able to retain" customer data securely".

What are some alternatives to "able to retain"?

Some alternatives include "capable of maintaining", "able to keep", or "in a position to keep", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "able to retain" or "able to maintain"?

Both "able to retain" and "able to maintain" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Retain" implies keeping something you already have, while "maintain" implies keeping something in good condition. Choose the word that best fits the context.

What is the difference between "able to retain" and "likely to retain"?

"Able to retain" indicates a capability or capacity to keep something. "Likely to retain" indicates a probability that something will be kept. For example, "The soil is "able to retain" moisture" means it has the capacity to do so. "The soil is "likely to retain" moisture" suggests it will probably happen, but it's not a certainty.