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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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retain knowledge of

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain knowledge of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability to remember or keep information over time. Example: "Students are encouraged to retain knowledge of key concepts to succeed in their exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The standard interpretation is that H.M. was able to acquire and improve motor skills, even though he could not retain knowledge of facts.

News & Media

The New York Times

Ninety years later, survivors of the worst epidemic in history still retain knowledge of the event--on a cellular level.

Science & Research

Science Magazine

Another interesting finding is that students seemed to retain knowledge of the LDS stance on evolution while forgetting specific knowledge of evolution.

We found that lay people can effectively retain knowledge of prehospital trauma care learned through a context-appropriate first-aid course for at least six months.

Science

Plosone

We hypothesized that participants would retain knowledge of first-aid learned during the training course, use the skills and kit frequently and feel more empowered to provide emergency services.

Science

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Experimentation has shown that certain birds and mammals, at least, are capable of acquiring and retaining knowledge of some aposematic mechanisms from a single experience.

Relative to healthy birder controls, the patient showed marked deficits of bird call and bird name knowledge but relatively preserved knowledge of avian visual attributes and retained knowledge of human voices and faces.

"The game format teaching strategy has an added advantage in retaining knowledge of the subject for a longer time compared with a lecture format".

Science & Research

Science Magazine

A principle popular among friends of closure is the following: If one knows p and competently deduces q from p while retaining knowledge of p, and one comes to believe q on that basis, then one knows q.

Science

SEP

The findings of the study revealed that knowledge of formulaic sequences is a strong predictor of language proficiency and both 'focus on form' and 'focus on forms' methods of instructing formulaic sequences are equally effective in developing and retaining knowledge of formulaic sequences.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.09457.001 Throughout life, animals must learn how to respond accurately to new sensations and environments, while retaining knowledge of previous experiences.

Science

eLife
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to use the phrase "retain knowledge of", ensure the context involves a sustained ability to recall or understand specific information over a period. This contrasts with simply knowing something at a particular moment.

Common error

Avoid using "retain knowledge of" when describing a one-time acquisition of information. The phrase implies a sustained ability to recall or apply the knowledge, not just initial learning.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain knowledge of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ability to maintain or preserve information or understanding over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "retain knowledge of" is used to describe the ability to remember and understand information over time. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. The phrase, though not very common, appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts. Alternatives such as "preserve understanding of" or "maintain awareness of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that the context involves a sustained ability to recall and understand, as opposed to a one-time acquisition of information.

FAQs

How can I use "retain knowledge of" in a sentence?

You can use "retain knowledge of" to describe someone's ability to remember and understand specific information over time. For example, "Students are encouraged to "retain knowledge of" key concepts to succeed in their exams."

What's a simple way to describe the meaning of "retain knowledge of"?

"Retain knowledge of" simply means to remember and understand something over time. It implies more than just knowing something briefly; it's about keeping that information accessible in your mind.

Are there formal alternatives to "retain knowledge of"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "preserve understanding of" or "maintain awareness of" as more formal alternatives to "retain knowledge of", particularly in academic or professional contexts.

How does "retain knowledge of" differ from simply "knowing" something?

"Knowing" something implies having information at a specific moment. "Retaining knowledge of" suggests a sustained ability to recall and understand that information over a period of time.

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Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: