needs to be retained

USAGE SUMMARY

'needs to be retained' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of keeping something. For example, "This information needs to be retained for future reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It needs to be retained and strengthened no matter what.

Forbes

The assumption of elements being positioned strictly on the azimuthal plane needs to be retained.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"It's like an iconic sculpture to me and it needs to be retained," she said.

BBC

"Stafford's maternity department is very good and needs to be retained.

BBC

Businesses can define what needs to be retained for Gmail and on-the-record chat messages based on content, labels, and metadata.

TechCrunch

If Frank Gehry's new hall for the Philharmonic is proven to have less good acoustics than a new hall in 80 years, do you tear it down, or does the icon have enough value in the city that it needs to be retained?

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It is iconic in terms of Blackpool and, yes, it does need to be retained.

The Guardian

"I would anticipate that stations previously earmarked for closure will now need to be retained," he added.

The Guardian

Expertise and talent need to be retained and invested in if our aim is to have safe, efficient and high-quality healthcare now, and for future generations.

The Guardian

If imaging systems that meet the above requirements are implemented, original paper records only need to be retained through the active period as defined in Section 1105.3.

Yale University

Procurement experts point out that many of the rules are more about preventing corruption and would need to be retained in some form.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be retained" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly establishes why the subject requires preservation. Providing specific reasons enhances the statement's impact and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be retained" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "should be kept" or "must be saved" would sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be retained" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a requirement or necessity for something to be kept or preserved. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the subject in its current state. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Science

56%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs to be retained" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that emphasizes the importance of preserving something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and helpful phrase for highlighting the necessity of keeping things intact. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, reflecting its utility in both formal and professional communications. While versatile, remember that in informal settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. By considering context and purpose, you can effectively use "needs to be retained" to convey the importance of preservation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be preserved

Emphasizes the importance of keeping something in its original condition.

should be maintained

Focuses on the ongoing care required to keep something in good condition.

ought to be kept

Suggests a moral or practical obligation to retain something.

has to be upheld

Highlights the need to support or defend something to maintain it.

is required to be saved

Emphasizes the necessity of rescuing something from loss or damage.

is essential to keep

Underscores the critical importance of retaining something.

is vital to preserve

Stresses the life-sustaining importance of maintaining something.

demands conservation

Highlights the urgent need for careful management to avoid depletion.

requires safeguarding

Indicates the need for protective measures to ensure something remains safe.

necessitates protection

Stresses the need for defensive actions to maintain something in its current state.

FAQs

How can I use "needs to be retained" in a sentence?

Use "needs to be retained" to emphasize the importance of preserving something. For example, "This evidence needs to be retained for the investigation".

What are some alternatives to "needs to be retained"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "needs to be retained"?

It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts where emphasizing the necessity of keeping something is important. However, in casual speech, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

Which is correct, "needs to be retained" or "needs to be retained by"?

"Needs to be retained" is generally correct when referring to the preservation of something. "Needs to be retained by" would specify who or what is responsible for the retention.