retain for future reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain for future reference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to keep information or documents for later use or consultation. Example: "Please retain this document for future reference in case you need to refer back to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The remaining terms of C0 i.e., (h (PWi) ‖ SBi) is retained for future reference.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

The remaining terms of C0 i.e., (h (PWi) ‖ SBi) is retained for future reference.  .

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

This notice contains important information about the plans and your rights under ERISA, which should be read and retained for future reference.

Duke University

The voucher specimens were retained for future reference at Lanzhou University Second Hospital, China.

BioMed Research International

The brains of young lambs are considered unlikely to provide evidence of classical scrapie infection if examined, but, apart from these, the brains of other casualties and flock management culls, and also those of many of the sheep sent out from the Unit for research, are subjected to statutory diagnostic tests for scrapie at VLA Weybridge, and material retained for future reference.

BMC Veterinary Research

Four typewritten copies will be of the greatest convenience, the physician registering the case retaining one for future reference, on which he can place the Registry series number when he receives the final report.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

Authors should print copies of the publishing agreement and the publishing options selected and retain these copies for future reference.

University of Chicago

Note: Deleted workgroups are marked inactive and retained in the system for future reference.

Stanford University

Note: Deleted workgroups and memberships are marked inactive and retained in the system for future reference.

Stanford University

Deleted workgroups are marked inactive and retained in the system for future reference.

Stanford University

Keep this for future reference.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "retain for future reference", be specific about what information or documents should be kept and for how long, if applicable.

Common error

Avoid using "retain for future reference" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "keep this" or "remember this" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain for future reference" primarily functions as an imperative, instructing someone to keep something for later use. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retain for future reference" serves as a clear instruction to keep something for later use. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While "retain" adds a formal tone, simpler alternatives like "keep" are suitable for informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify what items should be retained. Due to the limited data, the frequency is currently marked as missing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep for future use

Replaces "retain" with the more common "keep" for slightly less formal tone.

hold for future reference

Similar to "keep", but with a slightly stronger sense of holding something securely.

preserve for future consultation

More formal and emphasizes the act of seeking advice or information later.

document for future purposes

Focuses on the act of creating a record for unspecified future uses.

store for future access

Highlights the act of placing something in storage for easy retrieval.

archive for future review

Implies a more formal and systematic process of preserving records.

maintain for future records

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to keep information available.

save for later

A more concise and informal alternative, suitable for less formal contexts.

file away for future needs

Suggests a more organized method of storage, such as in a filing system.

set aside for future examination

Highlights the act of specifically putting something apart for inspection later.

FAQs

How to use "retain for future reference" in a sentence?

You can use "retain for future reference" to instruct someone to keep information or documents for later use. For example: "Please retain this document for future reference in case you need to refer back to it."

What can I say instead of "retain for future reference"?

You can use alternatives like "keep for future use", "save for later", or "preserve for future consultation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "retain for future reference" or "keep for future reference"?

"Retain" is slightly more formal than "keep". Choose "retain" for official documents or professional communication, and "keep" for general use.

What's the difference between "retain for future reference" and "file away for future needs"?

"Retain for future reference" is a general instruction to keep something. "File away for future needs" "file away for future needs" implies a more organized storage method.