cannot be retained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be retained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is unable to be kept, held, or maintained, often referring to information, objects, or conditions. Example: "Due to the changes in policy, certain data cannot be retained for more than six months."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Repairing the hiring process will serve no purpose if talented employees cannot be retained.

The Washington Post

However, the symmetry of three-phase currents and reliable operation of the FSTPR cannot be retained due to the offset of the two-capacitor voltages.

Control Engineering Practice

It is shown that the open crack analogy can be adopted for the one-crack beam-column, whereas this simplified assumption cannot be retained for the two-crack beam-column.

Engineering Fracture Mechanics

Thus diauxie, sensu stricto, cannot be retained as an explanation.

AMB Express

Do not manually insert table rules in the manuscript, because they cannot be retained.

Springer

In this way, the structure cannot be retained and the resultant panorama becomes unnatural.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

This hypothesis cannot, therefore, be retained as a major cause of clustering.

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

An example of such a germarium is shown in Figure 1E, suggesting that the mother centriole cannot always be retained in the female GSC.

Current Biology

If the construction of a new infrastructure is included in the process, then the considerable width of the time frame cannot be avoided and should be retained as a model feature.

European Transport Research Review

The files would normally be retained, but Scotland's Crown Office says they now cannot be found.

The Guardian

Subsequent encounters may be retained.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be retained", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is unable to be kept or maintained. For instance, "Data cannot be retained after the specified period."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be retained" when a more direct verb like "deleted" or "removed" is more appropriate. For example, instead of "These files cannot be retained", consider "These files will be deleted."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be retained" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing impossibility. It indicates that something is not able to be kept, held, or maintained. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showing diverse applications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be retained" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the impossibility of keeping or maintaining something. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, it's important to ensure the subject is clearly defined and to consider whether a more direct verb might be more appropriate. Related phrases include "cannot be kept", "cannot be preserved", and "cannot be maintained". The phrase's versatility and clear meaning make it a valuable part of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be preserved

Replaces 'retained' with 'preserved', emphasizing maintaining something in its original state.

cannot be kept

Uses the simpler verb 'kept' instead of 'retained', making the phrase more informal.

cannot be maintained

Focuses on the inability to sustain or keep something in working order.

cannot be held

Emphasizes the impossibility of physically or figuratively holding onto something.

cannot be sustained

Highlights the inability to support or continue something over time.

cannot be conserved

Focuses on the inability to save or protect something from loss or damage.

cannot be stockpiled

Highlights that something cannot be accumulated or stored for future use.

cannot be stored

Focuses on the inability to keep or accumulate something for future use.

cannot be stockpiled

Emphasizes that something cannot be accumulated for future use.

cannot be secured

Highlights the inability to protect something from being lost or taken.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be retained" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be retained" to express that something is impossible to keep or maintain. For example, "Information that violates privacy policies cannot be retained."

What phrases are similar to "cannot be retained"?

Alternatives include "cannot be kept", "cannot be preserved", or "cannot be maintained", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be retained" instead of "must be deleted"?

"Cannot be retained" is suitable when describing a general inability to keep something. "Must be deleted" is more appropriate when there is a specific requirement to remove something actively.

What is the difference between "cannot be retained" and "cannot be sustained"?

"Cannot be retained" refers to the impossibility of keeping or holding something, while "cannot be sustained" implies an inability to continue or support something over time. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing storage or continuation.