retain for later reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain for later reference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to keep information for future use or consultation. Example: "Please retain for later reference the guidelines provided in this document."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even if you disable it later, Facebook will keep this data for later reference.

TechCrunch

Number each photograph for later reference.

The New York Times

You can also comment on posts and bookmark your favorite content for later reference or download.

Harvard University

Favourite articles can be 'starred' for later reference, Gmail-style.

TechCrunch

The data can also be stored for later reference.

TechCrunch

We use the symbol for later reference to these weights.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

"The benefits of being able to record ideas and thoughts for later reference are manifold.

TechCrunch

Because this is saved as a standard Outlook item, you can file it for later reference.

TechCrunch

Needless to say, all sessions can be recorded for later reference.

TechCrunch

People find a passage they like and share with friends, and collect for later reference.

TechCrunch

If you have a MyMet account, images may be grouped in your account for later reference.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to preserve information, be clear about the type of information and why it should be kept "for later reference". For example, 'Please retain the meeting minutes for later reference during the project review'.

Common error

Avoid using "retain for later reference" in very casual conversations; simpler alternatives like 'keep it' or 'remember this' are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain for later reference" functions as a directive, commonly used to instruct someone to preserve specific information or materials for future use or consultation. This construction, according to Ludwig, is perfectly usable in written English.

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

In summary, "retain for later reference" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, intended for directing the preservation of information for future retrieval and use. Ludwig indicates its general suitability for written English. Its formality level is neutral to formal, making it most appropriate for professional or instructional settings. While alternatives like "save for future reference" or "keep for future use" exist, "retain for later reference" emphasizes the intention behind the preservation, and this phrase should be avoided in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Keep for future use

This is a more general term, implying preservation without explicitly stating the purpose of referencing.

Save for future reference

Similar to 'keep', but emphasizes the act of saving, more active.

Hold for future consultation

Implies a more formal review or discussion.

Store for future access

Focuses on the act of storing and retrieving data or information.

Document for later review

Highlights the act of documenting something to be examined later.

Archive for future study

Implies a more systematic and long-term preservation for research.

Record for subsequent analysis

Highlights recording for in-depth examination.

Catalogue for later inspection

Focuses on organization to inspect afterward.

File away for future needs

More informal, suggests placing something in a file for potential use.

Bank for later use

Metaphorical, related to accumulation of value, as with money.

FAQs

How can I use "retain for later reference" in a sentence?

You can use "retain for later reference" when you want to instruct someone to keep a record or piece of information for future use. For example: "Please "keep the receipt" as you may need it later".

What are some alternatives to "retain for later reference"?

Alternatives include "save for future reference", "keep for future use", or "store for future access" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "retain for later reference" or "keep for later reference"?

"Retain" is more formal than "keep". Therefore, "retain for later reference" is suitable for formal documents and instructions, while "keep for later reference" is suitable for more casual contexts.

In what situations should I use "retain for later reference"?

Use "retain for later reference" when you want to emphasize the importance of preserving something, such as notes, receipts, or digital files, so that it can be accessed or consulted in the future. For example, "please retain this email, as it contains important information".