he retains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he retains" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone maintaining possession, control, or memory of something over time. Example: "Despite the challenges he faced, he retains a positive outlook on life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He retains a 5% stake.

The Guardian - Business

He retains a warm relationship with both.

The New Yorker

"I hope he retains power in Gujarat".

The New York Times

He retains no financial consultant.

The New York Times - Sports

But he retains great bargaining power.

The Economist

Yet he retains his chief executive title.

The New York Times

So, there is a skill he retains.

The New York Times - Sports

But he retains an aura of humility.

The New York Times - Sports

He retains 2nd on GC.

The Guardian - Sport

He retains the No5 shirt.

The Guardian - Sport

He retains much of that support today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he retains", consider whether you want to emphasize the act of keeping something despite potential loss or change. If so, it's the perfect choice. If you want to stress the active maintenance, consider alternatives like "he maintains".

Common error

Don't use "he retains" when simply stating initial possession. The phrase suggests holding onto something that could have been lost or given up. For example, it would be incorrect to say "He retains his car" if he just bought it; instead, say "He owns his car".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he retains" functions as a verb phrase, where "retains" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "retain". It indicates that a male subject continues to possess or hold something. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he retains" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that a male subject continues to possess something, especially in the face of potential loss or change. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct in written English. While alternatives like "he keeps" or "he maintains" exist, "he retains" carries a nuance of preservation that makes it suitable for specific contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science sources, reflecting its versatile applicability. When using "he retains", ensure that the context implies a possibility of loss or change to avoid misapplication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he keeps

Focuses on the act of continuing to hold something, often physically or metaphorically, instead of the act of not losing it.

he maintains

Highlights the effort involved in preserving something, suggesting active upkeep more than simple retention.

he preserves

Implies a deliberate act to protect something from decay or change, suggesting more care than simply retaining.

he holds onto

Emphasizes resistance to letting go, indicating a stronger desire to keep something than just retaining it.

he possesses still

Stresses continued ownership or ability after a period when it might have been lost, formal and slightly archaic.

he upholds

Suggests maintaining a principle, law, or tradition, carrying a sense of duty and responsibility.

he clings to

Implies desperation or strong emotional attachment in holding on, often used when facing loss or change.

he hangs on to

Similar to "he clings to", but slightly less intense, suggesting a stubborn refusal to relinquish something.

he doesn't relinquish

Focuses on the refusal to give up something, more direct and assertive than "he retains".

he continues to have

Simple restatement of continued possession without the nuance of effort or resistance implied in other alternatives.

FAQs

How can I use "he retains" in a sentence?

Use "he retains" to indicate that someone continues to hold or possess something, especially when there's an implication that it could be lost or given up. For instance, "Despite the scandal, "he retains the support of" his base."

What can I say instead of "he retains"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "he keeps", "he maintains", or "he holds onto". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize continued possession, active maintenance, or resistance to letting go.

Which is correct, "he retains" or "he maintains"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "He retains" implies keeping something without necessarily putting in effort, while "he maintains" suggests active effort to preserve something.

What's the difference between "he retains" and "he possesses"?

"He possesses" simply states ownership or ability, whereas "he retains" indicates that he continues to have it, especially when there's a possibility of losing it. "He possesses still" is a more formal and less commonly used alternative.