retain as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain as a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to talk about keeping something in its current state or condition. For example, "I plan to retain the old barn as a museum for visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Many authors are also contesting payments of royalties and the increasingly large reserves on royalties that publishers retain as a safeguard against unsold books coming back from stores.

The New York Times

The committee, based in Basel, Switzerland, at the Bank for International Settlements, called for improving the quality of the so-called Tier 1 capital base, which refers to liquid assets that banks have to retain as a cushion.

The New York Times

An alternative, thanks to Dilnot, is that people can continue to stay in their preferred care home and pay a top-up out of the extra resources they have been able to retain as a result of the cap.

The Guardian

These deal with when the general will give up the job of army chief and what powers he will retain as a civilian president.The Jamali government is also trying to split the leadership of the MMA.

The Economist

With the Mayor casting the lone negative votes, the board approved an amendment that would retain as a manufacturing area a section east of a plaza between 35th and 36th Streets.

The New York Times

These are qualities one wants to retain as a society, and it is a credit to Rockwell's subtle, story-weaving imagination that he captured the values we celebrate on Independence Day without ever having done a painting of American flags waving from porches or July skies bursting with fireworks.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Will Shankly retain as an outcast the grace and integrity he showed when he was a deity?

The Guardian - Books

Schilling was retained as a consultant.

The New Yorker

The former defensive coordinator Foge Fazio was retained as a consultant.

The New York Times

Mubārak's cabinet was retained as a transitional body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, hundreds of pamphlets (classed WET) were retained as a separate collection.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retain as a", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being kept and its intended function or purpose. For example, "retain the original design as a tribute to the building's history".

Common error

Avoid using "retain as a" in overly complex sentences where simpler verbs like "keep" or "maintain" would improve clarity. This prevents the sentence from becoming convoluted and easier to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain as a" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, primarily used to indicate the act of keeping something in a particular state or role. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retain as a" is grammatically correct and useful for indicating the act of keeping something in a particular state or role. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives like "keep as" or "maintain as", "retain as a" is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, particularly when emphasizing the preservation of a specific function or characteristic. Its use spans across News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, showing its versatility. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context makes clear what is being preserved and its intended purpose. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively leverage "retain as a" to convey precise meaning in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep as

Focuses on the act of keeping something in its current state.

maintain as

Emphasizes the effort required to preserve something's condition.

preserve as

Highlights the act of protecting something from decay or change.

hold as

Implies temporary keeping or regarding something in a certain way.

conserve as

Stresses the careful management of resources to ensure their longevity.

save as

Highlights rescuing something from being lost or discarded.

store as

Focuses on keeping something for future use in a specific manner.

uphold as

Suggests maintaining something according to a standard or principle.

secure as

Emphasizes ensuring the safety and preservation of something.

reserve as

Highlights setting something aside for a specific purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "retain as a" to describe keeping something in a specific role or condition, such as "We will retain the old building "as a historical landmark"".

What are some alternatives to "retain as a"?

Alternatives include "keep as", "maintain as", or "preserve as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "retain as a" and "keep as a"?

"Retain as a" often implies a more conscious or deliberate decision to maintain something, while "keep as a" can be more general. Consider the formality and context when choosing between them.

When is it best to use "retain as a" in writing?

Use "retain as a" when you want to emphasize the preservation of something's function or identity. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts where maintaining the status quo is important.