retain its existing state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain its existing state" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something should remain unchanged or maintain its current condition. Example: "The software update is designed to enhance performance while allowing the system to retain its existing state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a speech in Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel said the euro zone would retain its existing state guarantees until 2013 and thereafter would impose "discipline".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Daily Sun-Post, an 8,500-circulation 8,500-circulationer, will continue to publish in its current form afternoonnewspapersting staff for the time being, Freedom officials said.

Los Angeles Times

■ A tacit acknowledgment of the country's right to retain its existing programs.

The New York Times

Program variety appeared to increase as more stations competed for listeners and each strove to sound different while seeking to retain its existing audience.

Britannica

Comptel says it will continue in fulfilment business developing and selling its Comptel Fulfillment Solution, retain its existing Axioss customer relationships and continue to support these customers.

TechCrunch

Still, Thursday Night Football will continue to be broadcast by CBS and NBC alongside Twitter, allowing NFL to both build a new audience and retain its existing one.

TechCrunch

The new centre will retain its existing research staff and funding structure, which currently has an annual budget of around €500,000 from national and EU funds.

Forbes

Telefonica said O2 would retain its existing brand and continue to be based in the UK following today's deal.

The Guardian

True, his ruling coalition retained its existing number of seats in this week's election.

The Economist

Government officials from California, New England, New York, and other northeastern states are vociferously lobbying in Washington to retain their existing state and regional systems for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, even after a new federal system comes into force.

Huffington Post

In the meantime, the GST-tagged GPX3 separated by these NSs can retain its redox state and peroxidase activity.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retain its existing state", ensure the subject is clearly defined and that the context supports the need for maintaining the current condition. Consider if a more active verb like "preserve" or "maintain" might be more appropriate depending on the desired emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "retain its existing state" in situations where a simpler phrase would suffice. For instance, instead of saying "The glass should retain its existing state," consider "Keep the glass as is" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain its existing state" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action to preserve or maintain a current situation or condition. It's often used to describe efforts to prevent change, as evidenced by the Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "retain its existing state" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies maintaining something in its current condition. While Ludwig AI considers it as perfectly valid, its usage is relatively infrequent and leans towards formal contexts, often appearing in news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When writing, be mindful of potential wordiness and consider whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate for casual settings. Using alternatives such as "maintain its current condition" or "keep it as is" can provide greater clarity depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain its current condition

Focuses on upholding the present status without necessarily implying resistance to change.

preserve its original form

Highlights the act of keeping something in its initial shape or appearance.

keep its present form

Stresses the idea of not allowing alterations to the current structure.

hold its established position

Emphasizes maintaining a current rank or status.

uphold its present condition

Similar to "maintain", but with a stronger implication of active support.

sustain its current status

Focuses on ensuring something continues in its present state over time.

ensure its existing form is kept

Highlights the act of guaranteeing that it is being kept.

avoid altering its current state

Focuses on preventing modification of the present state.

keep it as it is

Offers a simple and direct way of expressing the desire for no change.

maintain the status quo

A common idiom referring to maintaining the current state of affairs.

FAQs

How can I use "retain its existing state" in a sentence?

You can use "retain its existing state" to describe maintaining the current condition of something. For example, "The company aims to update its software while allowing users to "retain its existing state"."

What are some alternatives to "retain its existing state"?

Alternatives include "maintain its current condition", "preserve its original form", or "keep its present form". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "retain its existing state" formal or informal language?

"Retain its existing state" leans toward the formal side. In more casual settings, consider using phrases like "keep it as is" or similar simpler expressions.

What does it mean to "retain its existing state"?

To "retain its existing state" means to keep something in its current condition, without changes or alterations. It implies a conscious effort to maintain the status quo.