be retained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be retained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something should be kept or preserved. Example: "The important documents must be retained for future reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It should definitely be retained.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rest will be retained.

The Guardian

A remanent magnetization can be retained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It ought to be retained for Chevrolet".

The New Yorker

About 70 employees will be retained.

The New York Times

Fieldwork will be retained in geography.

The Guardian

How long should a coach be retained?

The New York Times

The Abbey brand will be retained.

The Guardian - Business

Assistant Tree Rollins will be retained.

The New York Times - Sports

They should be retained, within financial reason.

The New York Times - Sports

The Thursday movie night will be retained.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be retained", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the context implies a deliberate decision to keep or preserve something.

Common error

Avoid using "be retained" in active voice constructions. It's a passive phrase, so stick to using it when something is being acted upon, rather than acting. For example, prefer "the data will be retained" over "we will be retained the data".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be retained" is to form the passive voice of the verb "retain". It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being kept or preserved. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be retained" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that conveys the idea of something being kept or preserved. According to Ludwig, its usability in English is valid. It commonly appears in news, scientific writing, and formal business contexts. When using "be retained", ensure clarity regarding what is being kept and the reasons behind that decision. Consider related phrases like "be preserved" or "be maintained" for nuanced meanings. Avoid using "be retained" in active voice constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be preserved

Emphasizes maintaining something in its original state, preventing damage or decay.

be kept

A more general term for maintaining possession or condition, suitable for various contexts.

be maintained

Focuses on keeping something in good condition through regular care and upkeep.

be conserved

Highlights careful management to prevent depletion or loss.

be sustained

Implies the continuation of something over a period of time.

be held

Suggests maintaining something in a specific state or position.

be upheld

Emphasizes maintaining a principle, law, or decision.

be continued

Focuses on extending something without interruption.

be prolonged

Highlights extending the duration of something, often artificially.

be saved

Indicates rescuing something from potential loss or destruction.

FAQs

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

Use "be retained" to indicate that something will be kept or preserved. For example, "All records must be retained for seven years."

What are some alternatives to "be retained"?

You can use alternatives like "be kept", "be preserved", or "be maintained" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "will be retained" or "should be retained"?

The choice depends on the context. "Will be retained" indicates a future action, while "should be retained" suggests a recommendation or obligation. For example, "These documents will be retained for auditing purposes" versus "Sensitive information should be retained securely."

What is the difference between "be retained" and "be maintained"?

"Be retained" implies keeping something as it is, while "be maintained" suggests actively keeping something in good condition. For example, "The original design will be retained" versus "The equipment must be maintained regularly".