retain hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain hope" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to hold onto hope or not give up hope. Example: Despite facing many obstacles, she was determined to retain hope and continue pursuing her dreams.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Tottenham retain hope.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite this broad media consensus, Iran's political leaders retain hope that Iran-Saudi relations can improve.

The Guardian

She closes it just in time to retain Hope at the end of a golden age.

MIT Technology Review

Seconds from earning the victory it needed to retain hope of qualifying for the London Olympics, the United States had victory slip through its grasp Monday night.

The New York Times - Sports

Deng's presence, however, will ensure Great Britain retain hope of qualifying out of a tough-looking Group B that includes the 2006 world champions Spain.

The Guardian - Sport

Like the fact that at Longford FC, there is a bootroom full of men now well versed in meeting with disaster, who nonetheless retain hope of one day encountering triumph.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The Americans must win to retain hopes of winning the title for the second consecutive year.

The Washington Post

Such events were an irrelevance; Stuttgart retain hopes of progression to the knockout phase while Rangers are left to contemplate their latest chapter of European woe.

The Guardian - Sport

With former first-choice Nikica Jelavic enduring a drought, with just one league goal since December 8, Anichebe's all-round form has provided a welcome boost as the Toffees retain hopes of a top-four finish.

Independent

We are aiming to form one of the leading leagues in Europe Gazzaev and others even retain hopes that Ukrainian teams will one day play in a super league.

The Guardian

Saracens were forever blowing chances in the first half in the capital before showing why they retain hopes of a domestic-European double, coming back from 11 points down at the interval to beat Harlequins.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retain hope" when you want to emphasize the active effort of maintaining a positive outlook despite facing challenges. It suggests a conscious decision to not give in to despair.

Common error

Avoid using "retain hope" in situations where a more proactive or assertive stance is required. While it implies maintaining optimism, it may not convey the necessary action or determination to change the situation. Consider stronger verbs if action is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain hope" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of maintaining a positive outlook or expectation in the face of adversity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retain hope" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signifies the active maintenance of optimism despite facing challenges. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it is deemed correct for use in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media, its neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of contexts. Alternatives such as "preserve hope" or "hold onto hope" offer subtle nuances in meaning. When using "retain hope", remember that it implies an active effort to maintain positivity rather than a passive state. So, while the phrase is versatile and widely accepted, being mindful of its specific connotations can greatly improve the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold onto hope

Implies a firm grip on hope, suggesting a strong determination to not let it go.

keep hope alive

Highlights the effort required to prevent hope from fading away.

cling to hope

Suggests a desperate need for hope in a dire situation.

preserve hope

Emphasizes the act of safeguarding hope, suggesting a need to protect it from being lost.

sustain hope

Focuses on providing continuous support and encouragement to keep hope alive.

maintain optimism

Focuses more on a general positive outlook rather than specifically holding onto hope.

cherish hope

Highlights the value and importance one places on hope, treating it with fondness.

foster hope

Implies actively nurturing and developing hope in a situation or in others.

nurture optimism

Focuses on fostering positive thinking to maintain an optimistic perspective.

harbor hope

Suggests keeping hope private or hidden within oneself.

FAQs

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

You can use "retain hope" to describe maintaining a positive outlook despite difficulties. For example: "Despite the setback, the team managed to "retain hope" for a successful season."

What's a more formal way to say "retain hope"?

In a more formal context, consider using "preserve hope" or "maintain optimism" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated tone.

What are some situations where it's appropriate to use "retain hope"?

"Retain hope" is suitable in situations where there's a need to emphasize the active effort of maintaining a positive outlook despite facing ongoing challenges or uncertainties.

Is there a difference between ""retain hope"" and "maintain hope"?

While similar, ""retain hope"" often implies a conscious effort to hold onto something that might be slipping away, whereas "maintain hope" suggests a more stable and continuous state of optimism.