it retained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it retained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that has kept or maintained a particular quality, characteristic, or item over time. Example: "Despite the changes in management, the company retained its commitment to customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For starters, it retained its own currency, and controls its own monetary and fiscal policy.

Huffington Post

But even so, it retained its sell recommendation.

The Guardian - Business

It retained its other military research facility, the Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, Mass.

The New York Times

And Spain missed him, even though it retained its European championship without him.

The New York Times - Sports

After the pulse, it retained its shape and did not show any visible cracks or macrodefects.

Nanoscale Research Letters

It retained its antimicrobial activity up to 99.98 % even after 5th laundering cycle.

Fashion and Textiles

The activity of the reused catalyst decreased by 20%, but it retained its excellent selectivity.

Catalysis Today

It retained its original literary focus through the 1890s.

Wikipedia

The drug would have fates outside the psychedelic community, though it retained its link to the counterculture.

Vice

However in the UK, where only the 180 was on offer, it retained its name.

Wikipedia

Architecturally, although it looks excessively complex today, it retained a sense of its original structure.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it retained", ensure the subject clearly refers to a specific entity whose continued possession or characteristic is being described. For example, "The company retained its market share".

Common error

Avoid using "it retained" when referring to something that was merely temporarily held. "Retained" implies a more permanent or significant holding. For example, instead of "It retained the book for a week", use "It borrowed the book for a week".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it retained" functions as a verb phrase where "retained" is the main verb indicating the action of keeping or continuing to have something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it referring to various entities, like countries, companies, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it retained" signifies the continuation of a condition, characteristic, or possession. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and broad usability. While generally neutral in tone, its applications span across diverse sources like news, scientific articles, and wikis, indicating its versatility. When using "it retained", ensure the context clearly identifies what 'it' refers to and what was kept. Alternatives include "it maintained" or "it preserved", each carrying slightly different nuances. Remember that it implies a significant duration or importance. The phrase, while correct, is categorized as uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it maintained

Focuses on consistent upkeep or preservation over time.

it preserved

Emphasizes protecting something from harm or decay.

it kept

A simpler, more general term for holding onto something.

it held onto

Implies a deliberate effort to not lose something.

it upheld

Suggests maintaining a standard, principle, or decision.

it conserved

Highlights the efficient or careful use of resources or qualities.

it sustained

Implies providing support or nourishment to continue existence or activity.

it guarded

Emphasizes protection and defense to ensure continued possession.

it secured

Indicates making something safe and ensuring its continued availability.

it clutched

Suggests a desperate or firm grip to prevent loss or change.

FAQs

How to use "it retained" in a sentence?

Use "it retained" to describe something that maintained or kept a certain quality, position, or item. For example, "The team retained its championship title".

What can I say instead of "it retained"?

You can use alternatives like "it maintained", "it preserved", or "it kept" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it retained" or "it maintained"?

Both "it retained" and "it maintained" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Retained" implies keeping something already possessed, while "maintained" suggests consistent upkeep or preservation.

What's the difference between "it retained" and "it held onto"?

"It retained" suggests a natural or expected continuation, while "it held onto" implies a deliberate effort to keep something, often against some challenge or risk of loss.