have been retained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been retained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something has been kept and not changed or lost. For example: "The original features of the building have been retained throughout the renovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Original folder titles have been retained.

Cornell University

Original Huntington Free Library box numbers have been retained.

Cornell University

The original, historical subject headings have been retained.

Stanford University

Where possible, original folder headings have been retained.

Cornell University

Fourth, second baseman Miguel Cairo should also have been retained.

The New York Times

Third, starter Jon Lieber should have been retained.

The New York Times

But the polite, leisure‐class settings have been retained.

The New York Times

Long-favored features from the past have been retained.

The New York Times - Arts

The keynote songs from the original have been retained.

The New York Times

The original herringbone floors have been retained throughout the unit.

The New York Times

Some important exemptions to copyright have been retained.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been retained", ensure it's clear what is being kept and why it is important to maintain it.

Common error

Avoid using "have been retained" when an active voice would be more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "The original design elements have been retained by the architect", consider "The architect retained the original design elements".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been retained" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that something has been kept or preserved, rather than actively discarded or changed. Ludwig examples confirm its usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been retained" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something has been kept or preserved. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is commonly found in academic, news, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being retained and consider whether an active voice might be more impactful. Remember, you can replace it with synonyms like "have been preserved" or "have been maintained" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been preserved

This alternative emphasizes the act of protecting something from harm or change, similar to retaining it.

have been maintained

This suggests that something has been kept in good condition or working order, aligning with the idea of being retained.

have been kept

A more general term for holding onto something, implying that it has not been lost or removed.

have been conserved

Focuses on the careful use and preservation of resources or qualities.

have been upheld

This suggests that something has been supported or defended, maintaining its validity or status.

have been sustained

Indicates that something has been kept going or maintained over time.

have been continued

This phrase indicates the uninterrupted progression of something.

have been perpetuated

Suggests that something, often a belief or idea, has been kept alive and spread.

have been carried on

Similar to continued, but often implies a conscious effort to maintain something.

have been prolonged

Emphasizes the act of extending the duration of something.

FAQs

How can I use "have been retained" in a sentence?

You can use "have been retained" to indicate that certain aspects or features of something have been kept or preserved. For example, "The original folder titles "have been retained" for archival purposes".

What are some alternatives to "have been retained"?

Alternatives include phrases like "have been preserved", "have been maintained", or "have been kept", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "have been retained" or "were retained"?

"Have been retained" is present perfect tense, implying something retained up to now. "Were retained" is past tense, simply stating it was retained at some point in the past. Choose based on whether the retention continues to the present.

What does "have been retained" mean in the context of legal matters?

In legal contexts, it often means that a lawyer or consultant has been hired or engaged for a specific purpose. For instance, "Counsel "have been retained" to represent the company in the lawsuit".