retain access

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain access" is correct and usable in written English.
One possible use of the phrase is to indicate that someone is allowed to keep using a resource or service after a certain period of time. For example, "After completing the safety training course, employees will retain access to the hazardous materials storage room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Existing shareholders of private companies would also retain access to directors' details.

The New York Times

A similar facility could help people on the move retain access to government services.

The Economist

So why not retain access to the single market while quitting the European Union?

The New York Times

In this age of government austerity, it is deemed mandatory that important borrowers retain access to capital markets.

The New York Times

They cannot guarantee that Britain would retain access to Europe's single market, which gives British businesses access to 500 million consumers.

The Guardian

Reuters reported last month that American had enlisted Qantas and British Airways, which both want to retain access to the Japanese market.

The New York Times

"We need therefore to retain as far as possible the ease with which we currently trade with EU member states and also more importantly retain access to labour.

The Guardian

The spending plan, announced two weeks ago, is intended to meet International Monetary Fund guidelines and retain access to a $7.2 billion emergency credit line from the fund.

The New York Times

Coombs writes that several witnesses will testify that warnings were not passed up the chain of command, and that Manning was allowed to retain access to confidential databases.

The Guardian

Recently there have been minor reforms – "suspended" students can now borrow from university libraries in their year out and retain access to their email.

The Guardian

For example, an employer could instruct an employee to set up their LinkedIn account solely for work purposes and retain access to the password.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about continued privileges or entitlements, use "retain access" to clearly indicate that these benefits are ongoing. For instance, "Subscribers will "retain access" to premium content throughout their membership period."

Common error

Avoid using "retain access" when you mean to convey the initial acquisition of access. "Retain" specifically means to keep something you already have. Use "gain access" or "obtain access" when discussing the initial granting of permission.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "retain access" is as a verb phrase, where "retain" acts as a transitive verb and "access" is its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, highlighting its prevalence in expressing the continuation of having permission or ability to use something. Examples in the provided data further support this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retain access" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the continuation of having permission or the ability to use something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequent usage across news media, scientific articles, and formal business documents shows its versatility. When using this phrase, remember that "retain" signifies keeping something already possessed, distinct from gaining something new. Alternatives like "maintain accessibility", "preserve access", and "keep access" can provide nuanced variations depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain accessibility

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing state of being able to use something.

preserve access

This focuses on actively protecting the ability to use something in the future.

keep access

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

hold onto access

This suggests a more tenacious effort to maintain access.

sustain access

This emphasizes the continuous support needed to keep access available.

continue to have access

A more verbose but equally valid way of expressing the concept.

ensure continued access

Focuses on the actions taken to guarantee ongoing access.

secure continued access

Emphasizes the need to protect future access rights.

avoid losing access

Frames the concept from the perspective of preventing loss of access.

not relinquish access

Highlights the act of not giving up the ability to use something.

FAQs

How can I use "retain access" in a sentence?

You can use "retain access" to indicate that someone or something continues to have the ability to use or enter something. For example, "Even after the trial period ends, users will "retain access" to basic features."

What is a good alternative to "retain access"?

Alternatives to "retain access" include "maintain accessibility", "preserve access", or "keep access". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "retain access" and "gain access"?

"Retain access" means to continue having access to something, while "gain access" means to initially obtain access. They describe different points in time.

Is it correct to say "retained access" instead of "retain access"?

While "retained access" is grammatically correct, it functions as an adjective describing the type of access. "Retain access" is a verb phrase indicating the action of keeping access. For example, "They retained access to the building" versus "They have retained access cards."