retain an influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain an influence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability to maintain or keep a certain level of impact or effect over time. Example: "Despite the changes in leadership, the organization continues to retain an influence in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He left the board this year but his Resolution operation retained an influence via a so-called "value share," essentially a founder's share with enhanced rights.

The Guardian - Business

Traditional religion, despite officially being followed by only 0.1% of the population, retains an influence.

Wikipedia

However, he has recently run into opposition from the country's powerful armed forces who, concerned that a non-military figure could take over, want to retain a strong influence over the process of selecting Egypt's next ruler.

The Guardian

Of course, Mr Jiang is no Deng: but as many as five of the nine members of the Standing Committee of the Politburo are reckoned to be his creatures, so he may retain a residual influence on policy.

The Economist

Lockwood, who scored 56 goals in 386 appearances for Orient between 1998 and 2007, believes Orient need to retain a British influence at the club.

BBC

The world is changing profoundly (just look at my favorite Apple vs. Microsoft market cap chart), but there are some traditional and established entities that retain a significant influence.

TechCrunch

Fertility analysis is often concerned with identifying variables associated with fertility decisions and outcomes, and intergenerational continuities at the individual family level retain a strong influence.

Biodemography and Social Biology

Given that thyroid hormone influences neural and glial progenitors in both the developing as well as mature nervous system, we hypothesized that the expression of developmental morphogens, which retain a powerful influence on these progenitors across the lifespan, may be regulated by thyroid hormone.

Endocrinology

Both thyroid hormone and Shh have been independently demonstrated to regulate diverse aspects of central nervous system development, including effects on proliferation and maturation, and to retain a profound influence on the adult brain, modulating recruitment, survival, and differentiation of neuronal and oligodendrocytic progenitors (13, 14, 29, 31).

Endocrinology

His boyhood there retains an exceptional influence upon his outlook & he harbors an unusual affection for the place.

The New Yorker

Hardly anyone who has listened to him speaking about the Oklahoma of his boyhood can have failed to come away with the impression that it retains an exceptional influence upon his outlook, and that he continues to harbor an affection for the region which far exceeds what people ordinarily feel for distant places in which they were raised.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retain an influence", ensure the subject clearly indicates who or what is maintaining the impact and over what area. For example, "The organization continues to retain an influence in the industry."

Common error

Avoid using "retain an influence" when the actual impact is minimal or waning. Instead, consider phrases like "once held significant influence" or "attempts to retain an influence" to reflect a more nuanced situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain an influence" functions as a verb phrase where "retain" acts as the main verb, and "an influence" serves as the object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating it's a standard way to express maintaining some level of impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retain an influence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys the idea of maintaining some level of impact or control. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and suitable for various contexts. While common in news, scientific, and general discussions, it's important to consider the context and the degree of influence when choosing this phrase. Alternatives like "maintain authority" or "sustain impact" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sustain impact

Focuses on the continuation of a significant effect.

maintain authority

Focuses more on the power or right to give orders or make decisions.

preserve sway

Emphasizes the power to persuade or control others.

uphold dominance

Highlights maintaining a leading or superior position.

keep control

Highlights maintaining command or regulation over something.

prolong effect

Highlights the extension of a consequence or result over time.

secure leverage

Focuses on ensuring a strategic advantage or influence point.

hold onto power

Specifically suggests keeping a position of dominance or control.

exercise control

Emphasizes the act of exerting authority or influence.

continue to affect

Directly states the ongoing action of having an impact.

FAQs

How can I use "retain an influence" in a sentence?

You can use "retain an influence" when you want to express that someone or something continues to have an impact or effect. For example: "The older generation still "retains an influence" on family traditions."

What are some alternatives to saying "retain an influence"?

Alternatives to "retain an influence" include "maintain authority", "preserve sway", or "sustain impact". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "retain an influence" or "maintain an influence"?

"Retain an influence" and "maintain an influence" are very similar. "Retain" suggests keeping something one already has, while "maintain" suggests keeping something at a certain level or standard. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the preservation of existing influence or its continuous upkeep.

What does it mean when something "retains an influence"?

When something "retains an influence", it means that it continues to have an effect or impact, even after changes or the passage of time. It suggests that the subject's power, authority, or effect is not lost completely.