can be retained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be retained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate something will still be available or kept for future use. For example: "Any leftover food that is still edible can be retained for the next day's lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A remanent magnetization can be retained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, superelasticity can be retained in the implanted NiTi materials.

Surface and Coatings Technology

It has said the age of retirement can be retained by redistributing existing funds.

The New York Times

The samples will be returned (if applicable) so they can be retained for future use.

University of California, Berkeley

And I hope it can be retained, regained in the future of this society.

Cornell University

Permission to use protected material can be retained through a simple six-step process.

Columbia University

And there are restrictions on how long surveillance images can be retained.

The New York Times

In this case, the static electric field in the BiOCl crystal can be retained.

Applied Catalysis B: Environmental

Remarkably, about 92% of the initial capacitance can be retained after 2000 charge/discharge cycles.

Electrochimica Acta

It is shown that the main properties of the underlying parent scheme can be retained.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

A high reversible capacity of 1199 mA h g−1 can be retained after 200 cycles.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be retained", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being kept or preserved for future use. Specify the conditions under which it "can be retained" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice. While "can be retained" is grammatically correct, actively stating who or what is retaining something often makes the sentence more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "Data can be retained", consider "The system retains data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be retained" functions as a passive construction, indicating the possibility or ability of something to be kept or maintained. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a grammatically sound way to express that something has the potential to be preserved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

27%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be retained" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to indicate the possibility or ability of something to be kept or maintained. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Its frequency is very common, and it appears across various contexts like science, news, and academia, making it suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what is being retained and under what conditions. Consider active voice alternatives for directness and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be kept

Changes the auxiliary verb to 'may' suggesting possibility rather than ability or permission.

could be preserved

Replaces "retained" with "preserved", emphasizing maintaining something in its original condition.

might be maintained

Uses "maintained" to highlight the ongoing effort to keep something in a certain state.

is able to be conserved

Emphasizes the ability to conserve something, focusing on resourcefulness and careful management.

has the potential to endure

Shifts the focus to the potential for something to last or survive over time.

is eligible for storage

Focuses on the eligibility of something to be stored or kept for later use.

remains unaffected

Highlights that something stays unchanged or unimpaired.

is sustained

Focuses on the ability of something to continue or be upheld over time.

continues to be available

Emphasizes the ongoing availability of something.

is upheld

Highlights the act of supporting or defending something so that it continues to exist.

FAQs

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

Use "can be retained" to indicate that something has the ability to be kept or preserved. For example, "Important data can be retained for future analysis".

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

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

Which is correct, "can be retained" or "can be remained"?

"Can be retained" is correct. "Can be remained" is grammatically incorrect; the correct phrasing would be "can remain".

What's the difference between "can be retained" and "can be preserved"?

"Can be retained" generally means something is kept or held. "Can be preserved" implies maintaining something in its original or existing state. While similar, "could be preserved" suggests a focus on maintaining the integrity or condition of the item.