is retained

USAGE SUMMARY

'is retained' is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to a process where something is kept or maintained. For example, "The right to vote is retained by all citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even at the worst, however, something unbreakable is retained.

The New York Times - Books

And any value uplift is retained in the long term".

The Guardian - Arts

Yet something of nature's joyfulness and spontaneity is retained.

The New Yorker

So as water replaces ice, more heat is retained.

The Economist

In rural areas the traditional division of labour is retained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some perception, such as position sense, is retained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its telescoping slide mechanism is retained in the modern trombone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Bark is retained in treating by hydrostatic pressure).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hood form is retained by some monks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Metric invariance is retained.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Meanwhile, signal recognition capability is retained.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is retained" when you want to emphasize that something is deliberately kept or maintained in its current state, often despite potential changes or loss.

Common error

Avoid using "is retained" excessively in the passive voice, as it can make your writing sound less direct. Consider active voice alternatives where appropriate to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is retained" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that a subject is the recipient of an action, specifically the action of being kept or maintained. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is retained" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate that something is kept or maintained. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's common across various fields, notably science, news, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral to formal, it is important to be mindful of overusing it in the passive voice. Alternatives like "is kept", "is preserved", or "is maintained" can add variety and precision to your writing. Remember that while authoritative sources frequently employ the expression, adapting to a simpler expression might be preferable in less formal environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is kept

Simple substitution with a synonym, focusing on the action of maintaining possession.

is preserved

Implies a more careful or deliberate act of maintaining something in its original state.

is maintained

Focuses on the ongoing effort to keep something in a certain condition.

is held

Suggests a temporary possession or control, differing slightly from permanent retention.

is conserved

Emphasizes the careful use and preservation of resources or qualities.

is upheld

Highlights the act of supporting or defending something, often a principle or law.

is sustained

Focuses on the ability of something to continue or endure over time.

is safeguarded

Implies active protection against potential harm or loss.

remains intact

Indicates that something has not been damaged or altered.

persists

Focuses on the continuation of something despite obstacles or challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "is retained" in a sentence?

Use "is retained" to indicate that something is kept or maintained. For example, "The original flavor "is retained" in the new recipe."

What are some alternatives to "is retained"?

You can use alternatives such as "is kept", "is maintained", or "is preserved" depending on the specific context.

Is "is retained" formal or informal?

"Is retained" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. Its formality depends on the surrounding vocabulary. In very informal contexts, a simpler phrase like "stays" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "is retained" and "is preserved"?

"Is retained" generally means to keep something, while "is preserved" implies a more deliberate effort to maintain something in its original condition or quality. For example, "The historical document is preserved in the museum to protect it from damage."