it retains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it retains" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability of something to keep or hold onto a particular quality, characteristic, or item over time. Example: "The material is designed to withstand harsh conditions, and it retains its strength even after prolonged exposure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It retains its forces, its weapons and its civil servants.

The Economist

Yet it retains its angularity, never quite losing its edginess.

The New York Times - Food

Late ripening, it retains its natural acidity.

The New York Times - Food

But it retains its ancient privileges.

The Guardian - Opinion

It retains its original fireplaces, brick walls and hardwood floors.

The New York Times

Explain, then, why it retains its popularity across the continent".

Independent

Hence it retains its triple-A rating for now.

The Economist

Yet it retains its power to shock the conscience.

The Washington Post

It retains its firm but unctuously buttery texture.

The New York Times - Food

It retains its graceful Georgian squares and crescents.

The New York Times - Food

But it retains its crunchy texture, even after cooking.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it retains", ensure that the subject you are referring to is clearly defined and that the quality or characteristic it retains is also clearly specified. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it retains" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ensure the reader understands what is retaining the specified quality or characteristic. Ambiguity can confuse the message and weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it retains" functions as a verb phrase, where "it" acts as the subject and "retains" is the main verb. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct in written English. Its grammatical function is to indicate that something keeps or maintains a particular quality, characteristic, or possession.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it retains" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to indicate that something maintains or keeps a particular attribute. As shown by Ludwig's numerous examples, the phrase appears predominantly in news and media, scientific publications, and academic texts, making it appropriate for a wide range of writing contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify the subject and the attribute being retained. Alternatives such as "it maintains" or "it preserves" can be used to add nuance, but "it retains" remains a versatile and reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it maintains

Focuses on the continuous effort to keep something in its current state.

it preserves

Emphasizes keeping something safe from harm or decay, often implying a desire to keep it unchanged.

it holds onto

Suggests a firm grip or unwillingness to let something go.

it keeps

A more general term for having or maintaining possession.

it sustains

Implies providing support or nourishment to keep something going.

it conserves

Highlights the careful use and protection of resources.

it possesses

Emphasizes ownership or control over something.

it upholds

Indicates support or defense of a principle or law.

it bears

Suggests carrying or supporting something, often with a sense of responsibility.

it embraces

Implies accepting or adopting something willingly.

FAQs

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

You can use "it retains" to describe something that maintains a particular quality or characteristic. For example, "Despite the changes, "it retains" its original charm" or "The fabric is durable, and "it retains" its color after many washes".

What are some alternatives to "it retains"?

Some alternatives to "it retains" include "it maintains", "it preserves", or "it keeps". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "it retains" or "it retain"?

"It retains" is the correct form because the subject "it" is singular and requires the third-person singular verb form. "It retain" would be grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "it retains" and "it maintains"?

While both phrases suggest keeping something, ""it retains"" implies keeping something from being lost or diminished. "it maintains" suggests an ongoing effort to keep something at a certain level or condition.