he has retained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has retained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that someone has kept or maintained over a period of time, such as knowledge, skills, or possessions. Example: "Despite the changes in the industry, he has retained his expertise in software development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he has retained a high profile.

The Economist

But he has retained his human dignity.

The Economist

It is not clear whether he has retained an attorney.

The Washington Post

(He has retained roughly eighty per cent of his business).

The New Yorker

He has retained an amicable relationship with her.

The Guardian - Sport

As for the hacking, he doesn't know who did it; he has retained a lawyer.

The New Yorker

He has retained the West of Scotland enthusiasm for the sing-song.

The Guardian - Sport

But he said he has retained close ties to the newspaper.

The New York Times

Even with some rough patches over the last year, he has retained confidence in the approach.

The New York Times

Even after his sentencing, he has retained his position as an adviser to the Obama Administration.

The New Yorker

In spite of international success with his 1997 novel, Silk, he has retained a cult cachet.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he has retained" to indicate the continuation of a state, condition, or possession, particularly when there might have been an expectation of change or loss. It adds a nuance of persistence.

Common error

Avoid using "he has retained" when a simpler verb like "has" or "keeps" suffices. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing the act of holding onto something that could easily have been lost or changed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has retained" primarily functions as a verb phrase within a sentence. It indicates that a subject has maintained possession or control of something, or that something has been kept in a certain state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and usable. The examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he has retained" is a versatile verb phrase used to convey the idea that someone has maintained possession or control over something, often against some expectation of change. As Ludwig AI reports, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While highly frequent in News & Media, it also appears in academic and formal business contexts. When writing, it's best to use "he has retained" when highlighting the continuous holding of something over a period of time. Remember that simpler verbs might be preferrable in some contexts depending on the nuances you are aiming at.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he has kept

Focuses on the act of maintaining possession or control.

he has maintained

Implies a conscious effort to keep something at a certain level or standard.

he has held onto

Emphasizes clinging to something, often against some force or challenge.

he has preserved

Suggests protecting something from decay or damage to keep it in its original condition.

he has upheld

Implies maintaining a principle, law, or standard.

he has conserved

Highlights the careful use and preservation of resources.

he has sustained

Focuses on providing continued support or nourishment to maintain something.

he has continued to have

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of possession or experience.

he has not lost

Focuses on the absence of loss, implying a continued state of possession.

he has carried on with

Suggests continuing a task or activity without interruption.

FAQs

How can I use "he has retained" in a sentence?

Use "he has retained" to indicate that someone has kept or maintained something, such as a skill, position, or quality, often implying that it could have been lost or changed. For example: "Despite the scandal, "he has retained" the support of his constituents".

What are some alternatives to "he has retained"?

Alternatives include "he has kept", "he has maintained", or "he has held onto", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "he has retained" or "he retained"?

The use of "he has retained" (present perfect) implies a connection to the present or a recent past action that has a continuing relevance, whereas "he retained" (simple past) refers to a completed action in the past without a direct connection to the present. Choose the tense based on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "he has retained" and "he has preserved"?

"He has retained" suggests maintaining something over time, while "he has preserved" implies protecting something from harm or decay to keep it in its original condition. The best choice depends on whether the emphasis is on continuity or protection.