retain importance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain importance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ongoing significance or relevance of a subject or concept over time. Example: "Despite the changes in technology, traditional communication methods still retain importance in certain contexts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Although many species retain importance within the framework of ecosystem services, much of the focus of conservation has moved from individual species to the maintenance of the ecosystem as a whole, especially its ability to retain its structure and rate of productivity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hybrid assembly problem is new but it will retain importance as long as different platforms each offer different characteristics and compelling advantages.

Bioinformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the 20th century, as coal-mining employment declined, it grew as the service centre for the surrounding communities and acquired many new industries while retaining importance as an agricultural market.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, this effect was amplified when the lyrics were sung with piano accompaniment, showing that the musical dimension retains importance.

Plosone

Our results show that ER is necessary for the proliferation of resistant cells signifying the retained importance of the ER in driving growth of these cells.

Breast Cancer Research

Inspection of the antigen importance revealed some dominant (in terms of high centrality) antigens in the IgG and IgM networks at birth, which retain their importance at adulthood.

Plosone

Proponents of the amendment have said that even though courts and legislatures have set aside statutes that discriminate based on sex, the amendment would still retain symbolic importance.

The New York Times

Special beef breeds, for which Britain is famous, are raised throughout the country, but long-established specialist areas retain their importance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Branches of the plant sciences that deal with such tropical crops as coffee, tea, cocoa, bananas, coconuts, sugarcane, and pineapples, to the contrary, promise to retain their importance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These traditional activities still retain their importance, especially in rural areas, and are practiced not only at family and religious celebrations but also at state ceremonies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The spate of plagiarism allegations in recent years has led to soul-searching among German academics and universities in an effort to ensure that the titles retain their importance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retain importance", ensure the subject's previous significance has been established. This provides context for why its continued importance is noteworthy.

Common error

Avoid using "retain importance" when introducing a subject's significance for the first time. The phrase implies a continuation of pre-existing significance, not a new establishment of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain importance" functions as a verb phrase, where "retain" is the verb indicating the action of keeping or maintaining, and "importance" is the noun representing the quality of being significant or valuable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

38%

News & Media

19%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retain importance" is a versatile phrase used to describe the continuation of significance or relevance over time. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in encyclopedias, scientific publications, and news media. When using this phrase, ensure the subject's prior significance has been established. Alternatives include phrases such as "maintain significance" or "hold relevance". Overall, "retain importance" is a useful phrase for emphasizing the ongoing value of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain significance

Focuses on keeping something important or relevant.

hold relevance

Emphasizes the continued pertinence or applicability of something.

preserve value

Highlights the act of keeping something valuable intact.

uphold significance

Stresses the act of maintaining and defending the importance of something.

sustain relevance

Implies the ongoing effort to keep something relevant.

conserve importance

Suggests careful preservation of something's significance.

keep its value

Simple way to indicate the continuous value of something.

stay relevant

Focuses on the continuous state of being pertinent.

remain significant

Indicates a state of continuous significance.

endure in importance

Emphasizes the lasting quality of importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "retain importance" to describe something that continues to be significant over time. For example, "Even with new technologies, fundamental skills like critical thinking "retain importance"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "retain importance"?

Alternatives include phrases like "maintain significance", "hold relevance", or "preserve value", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "retain importance" or "retains importance"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "retain importance" with plural subjects (e.g., "These traditions retain importance"). Use "retains importance" with singular subjects (e.g., "This tradition retains importance").

What's the difference between "retain importance" and "gain importance"?

"Retain importance" means something already important continues to be so. "Gain importance" suggests something is becoming more important than it was before. The difference lies in whether the significance is maintained or newly acquired.