continuing to retain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continuing to retain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ongoing act of keeping or holding onto something over a period of time. Example: "The company is continuing to retain its top talent despite the competitive job market."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Some scientists have argued that the stocks may be useful in developing new vaccines, antiviral drugs, and diagnostic tests; however, a 2010 review by a team of public health experts appointed by the World Health Organization concluded that no essential public health purpose is served by the U.S. and Russia continuing to retain virus stocks.

Wikipedia

These cells react to hormonal cues during pregnancy and enter the cell cycle while continuing to retain, selectively, their original template DNA.

Breast Cancer Research

Rather, continuing to retain the perception that aspects of their environments are maladaptive, particularly given their decreases in perceived stress and increases in perceived social support, may ultimately help them to seek out more adaptive living situations.

Development and Psychopathology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 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

"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 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

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

The Guardian - Sport

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

While there is more limited downside, we continue to retain concerns over forecast delivery, particularly with respect to gross margin.

The Guardian - Business

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 "continuing to retain" when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of keeping something, suggesting a process that hasn't stopped or diminished.

Common error

Avoid using "continuing to retain" in excessively passive constructions. Instead of "The data is continuing to be retained by the system", try "The system is continuing to retain the data" for a more direct and active statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continuing to retain" functions as a verb phrase, specifically as a gerund phrase, indicating an ongoing action. It describes the act of keeping or holding onto something over a period. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "continuing to retain" is grammatically correct and useful for emphasizing the sustained action of keeping or holding something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid phrase in written English. Though relatively rare, it finds usage across diverse contexts like science, news, and encyclopedic entries. When writing, be mindful of overusing passive constructions. For alternatives, consider "continuing to maintain" or "continuing to preserve" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuing to maintain

Replaces "retain" with "maintain", focusing on upholding or preserving a condition or state.

continuing to preserve

Emphasizes the act of keeping something intact or preventing it from decaying.

continuing to hold

A more general term for keeping possession of something.

continuing to keep

Similar to "hold", but may also imply protecting or guarding something.

continuing to possess

Focuses on the ownership or control of something.

continuing to conserve

Implies careful management to prevent loss or waste.

continuing to safeguard

Highlights the act of protecting something from harm or danger.

continuing to secure

Emphasizes making something safe and ensuring its continued availability.

continuing to sustain

Focuses on providing what is needed for something to continue existing.

persist in retaining

Highlights the ongoing effort or determination in keeping something.

FAQs

What does "continuing to retain" mean?

The phrase "continuing to retain" means to keep something or hold onto it over a period of time, implying that the act of keeping it is ongoing and has not ceased.

What are some alternatives to "continuing to retain"?

Alternatives include "continuing to maintain", "continuing to preserve", or "persist in retaining", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "continuing to retain"?

While "retain" already implies keeping something, adding "continuing to" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action. It's not strictly redundant, but consider if the emphasis is necessary for clarity.

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

For example: "The company is "continuing to retain" its market share despite increased competition", or "The museum is "continuing to retain" its collection of ancient artifacts".