must be retained

USAGE SUMMARY

"must be retained" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something needs to be held onto, kept, or maintained. For example: "All of our cultural heritage sites must be retained for future generations to experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

§ 98.397 Records that must be retained.

Cornell University

§ 98.417 Records that must be retained.

Cornell University

§ 98.37 Records that must be retained.

Cornell University

§ 98.347 Records that must be retained.

Cornell University

§ 98.387 Records that must be retained.

Cornell University

But an advocate of open government must be retained.

The Guardian - Opinion

EPCs are required under European law, so they must be retained.

The Guardian - Money

If we are to see these jobs and investment realised, confidence must be retained.

The Guardian

The E component represents random error and must be retained in all models40.

Nature

In all cases, the original data and materials must be retained at Yale.

Yale University

Recordkeeping for VFD can be either written or electronic and must be retained for 2 years.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be retained", ensure the context clearly indicates what needs to be kept and why. Providing a specific reason enhances the clarity and impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "must be retained" without providing a clear justification. Overusing the phrase without explaining its importance can weaken its impact and make your writing sound repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be retained" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses a strong obligation or necessity for something to be kept or preserved. Ludwig examples show it in legal, scientific, and general contexts, indicating its broad applicability. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must be retained" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that conveys a strong obligation to keep or preserve something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It is frequently found in academic, scientific, and news contexts, reflecting its use in situations where precision and clarity are essential. When using this phrase, make sure to clearly state what needs to be retained and why to maximize its impact. Alternatives include "needs to be preserved" or "should be maintained", offering subtle variations in emphasis. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate "must be retained" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be preserved

Emphasizes maintaining something in its original condition.

should be maintained

Suggests a recommendation to keep something in good order.

has to be kept

Indicates a necessity to hold onto something.

is required to be preserved

Highlights a formal obligation to maintain something.

is essential to keep

Stresses the importance of maintaining something.

needs to be conserved

Focuses on careful preservation and avoidance of waste or depletion.

ought to be upheld

Suggests a moral or ethical obligation to maintain something.

should be safeguarded

Emphasizes protecting something from harm or loss.

is important to maintain

Underlines the significance of keeping something in a specific condition.

is vital to preserve

Highlights the critical importance of maintaining something for its survival or functionality.

FAQs

How to use "must be retained" in a sentence?

Use "must be retained" to express that something needs to be kept or preserved. For example, "All original documents "must be retained" for audit purposes".

What can I say instead of "must be retained"?

You can use alternatives like "needs to be preserved", "should be maintained", or "has to be kept" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "must be retained" or "should be retained"?

"Must be retained" implies a stronger obligation than "should be retained". Use "must" when there is a firm requirement and "should" when it's a recommendation.

What's the difference between "must be retained" and "needs to be retained"?

"Must be retained" typically indicates a more formal or legal requirement, whereas "needs to be retained" can convey a general necessity. The best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.