it must retain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it must retain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the necessity of keeping or preserving certain qualities, features, or elements in a particular context. Example: "In order to maintain its integrity, the document must retain its original formatting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

As the enzyme retains its activity after conjugation, it must retain its overall structure as well.

BMC Biotechnology

Hezbollah says it must retain its weapons to fight off any future Israeli threat and persistent violations of Lebanon's airspace.

The New York Times

Whatever method is used to improve the reliability of the test, it must retain its ability to detect nearly all cancers.

The New York Times - Health

There is no doubt the ombudsman needs to dramatically improve, and though it must retain its independence the Department for Communities and Local Government and parliament itself must push for that change.

The Guardian

With emerging superpowers such as Brazil and China keen to get a foothold in the aerospace market, the UK industry is warning that it must retain its competitive and technological edge to win that work.

The Guardian - Business

Built-in gains tax: Normally, when a company converts from a C corporation to an S corporation, it must retain its assets for at least 10 years or pay a 35-percent tax on the built-in capital gains that occurred before the company made the conversion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

In order to check the emulsion to be an emulsifier having the stabilizing ability, it must retains at least 50%% of the original emulsion volume after 24 h of its preparation (Willumsen and Karlson 1997).

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

It is essential and we must retain it if our radical individualities are to be cherished.

Huffington Post

The tribe claims, on the other hand, that it has – and must retain – the authority to resolve these types of disputes in a tribal court, particularly cases involving such substantial interests as protecting tribal youth from sexual predators.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course, to truly reap the benefits of this miraculous transformation, New Zealand must retain it for at least one defense.

The New York Times - Sports

So it could be politically untenable for a company like Citigroup to pay gargantuan sums even to those who generate gargantuan profits — the very people the company must retain if it is to recover.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it must retain", ensure that the subject (the 'it') and the object being retained are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "it must retain its value", specify what 'it' refers to: "The company must retain its value."

Common error

Avoid using "it must retain" when "it must obtain" or "it must gain" is more appropriate. "Retain" implies keeping something already possessed, not acquiring something new.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it must retain" functions as a modal phrase expressing a strong obligation or necessity for something to be kept or preserved. Ludwig AI examples show it used across various contexts from scientific research to news reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it must retain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating a strong necessity to keep or preserve something. According to Ludwig AI, it appears across various domains, including news, science, and formal business contexts, showcasing its versatility and broad applicability. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the subject and object is crucial to prevent ambiguity. Remember that "retain" signifies keeping something already possessed, not acquiring something new. By understanding its nuances and practical applications, you can confidently integrate "it must retain" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it needs to maintain

Replaces "must retain" with a less formal and slightly weaker expression of necessity.

it’s important to maintain

Expresses the relevance of upholding an existing quality.

it is required to keep

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the obligation to keep something.

it has to preserve

Emphasizes the act of preserving, suggesting a need to protect something from decay or damage.

it is essential to conserve

Highlights the critical importance of conserving something.

it is vital that it holds

Underscores the importance of holding onto a specific characteristic.

it should preserve

Expresses a recommendation to keep something.

it ought to conserve

Similar to "it should preserve" but with a slightly stronger sense of duty.

it is important to safeguard

Focuses on protecting something from harm or loss.

it cannot lose

Highlights the unacceptable nature of not preserving.

FAQs

How can I use "it must retain" in a sentence?

Use "it must retain" to indicate the necessity of preserving or keeping something. For example, "The organization must retain its core values to maintain its identity."

What are some alternatives to "it must retain"?

You can use alternatives such as "it needs to maintain", "it has to preserve", or "it is required to keep" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "it must retain" and "it should retain"?

"It must retain" indicates a necessity, whereas "it should retain" expresses a recommendation. "It must retain" implies a requirement, while "it should retain" suggests a best practice or desirable action.

Is "it must retains" grammatically correct?

No, "it must retains" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it must retain". The modal verb "must" is always followed by the base form of the verb.