continue to retain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to retain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ongoing act of keeping or holding onto something, such as information, rights, or possessions. Example: "The company will continue to retain its competitive edge by investing in research and development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Many of the churches have replaced earlier tribal functions, but continue to retain a sense of continuity and community that unites members of aboriginal societies against the pressures of modernity.

Wikipedia

The grounds on which the government is advising ISPs to continue to retain data are unclear.

The Guardian - Tech

Even as many Latinos learn English, they continue to retain and use Spanish.

The New York Times

As the number, size and portability of screens multiply, will dominant media companies continue to retain hegemony?

The New York Times

Despite the destruction, those in the industry agree that the urban waterfront will continue to retain its allure.

The New York Times

As is currently taking place in Thailand, the monarchy could continue to retain some symbolic power and popular reverence indefinitely.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"At the same time, eBay continues to retain a significant stake in Skype and will benefit from its continued growth.

The New York Times - Tech

The economics and math major continues to retain the STEM designation.

Yale University

Labour continued to retain the political allegiance of the Welsh electorate.

Britannica

"Nigel has and continues to retain our total support, and remains absolutely key to what we are trying to achieve.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet Safina continues to retain the No. 1 world ranking, leaving many in the tennis world scratching their heads.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continue to retain" when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of maintaining something, such as a policy, a right, or a physical object. For example, "The museum will "continue to retain" its collection of ancient artifacts."

Common error

Be mindful of using "continue to retain" in contexts where the 'continue' aspect is already implied. For example, instead of saying "The company will "continue to retain" its existing policies continuously", consider simplifying it to "The company will retain its existing policies continuously" or "The company will continue its existing policies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to retain" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ongoing action of keeping or holding onto something. It emphasizes the continuity of possession or maintenance, highlighting that the subject is not only keeping something but will also keep it in the future. Ludwig AI provides multiple examples showcasing this function across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

24%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to retain" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the sustained act of keeping or holding onto something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science and Academia. While offering alternatives like "persist in keeping" or "maintain possession of", it's important to be mindful of potential redundancy and choose the most concise phrasing when appropriate. Keep in mind that while "continue to retain" is widely accepted, ensure the context warrants its use to maintain clarity and avoid unnecessary wordiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain possession of

Focuses on the legal or formal aspect of retaining ownership or control.

keep holding onto

Emphasizes the act of maintaining physical or metaphorical possession.

sustain ownership of

Highlights the act of maintaining ownership or holding a stake in something.

persist in keeping

Highlights the ongoing effort to maintain something despite potential challenges.

carry on keeping

Suggests a continuous or uninterrupted action of maintaining possession.

preserve and uphold

Stresses the importance of protecting and defending something of value.

hold onto indefinitely

Implies retaining something for an unlimited or unspecified duration.

endure to maintain

Implies that maintaining something requires persistence through difficulty or time.

keep in continuance

Focuses on keeping something in a state of continuation.

perpetuate the retention of

Focuses on ensuring that something continues to be retained.

FAQs

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

You can use "continue to retain" to express that someone or something will keep possessing or maintaining something. For example, "The company will "continue to retain" its market share despite the competition."

What are some alternatives to "continue to retain"?

Alternatives to "continue to retain" include "persist in keeping", "maintain possession of", or "keep holding onto" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "continue to retain"?

Sometimes, using "continue to retain" can be redundant if the 'continue' aspect is already implied. Consider if a simpler phrase like "retain" is sufficient.

What's the difference between "continue to retain" and "continue to maintain"?

"Continue to retain" emphasizes keeping something already possessed, while "continue to maintain" focuses on keeping something in good condition or upholding a standard. For example, "continue to retain control" versus "continue to maintain the equipment".