retain moisture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain moisture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to skincare, agriculture, or materials science, where the ability to hold or keep moisture is important. Example: "This cream is designed to retain moisture, keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

RS and LBG helped retain moisture.

LWT - Food Science and Technology

The second option was special eyeglasses to retain moisture.

The New York Times

Grapes appreciate a little compost, and mulch to retain moisture.

The New York Times

"The truth is they all work well to retain moisture.

The New Yorker

And a tree that size, the spokesman said, is better able to retain moisture.

The New York Times

To retain moisture and avoid the bread drying out, leave a slightly damp cloth on top.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Plenty of compost helps the sandy soil retain moisture, as do polymer crystals, like Soil Moist.

The New York Times

Clean them often to keep dirt and leaves, which retain moisture, from building up.

The New York Times

Disposable diapers are made of superabsorbent polymers, or hydrogels, that retain moisture.

The New York Times - Science

Some species plug their burrow entrances with soil to retain moisture and keep hot air out.

Britannica

This helps to retain moisture and to keep the fillet intact.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing skincare products, use "retain moisture" to highlight their ability to keep skin hydrated throughout the day.

Common error

Avoid using "retain moisture" in contexts where simpler terms like "stay hydrated" or "remain moist" are more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain moisture" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where 'retain' is the transitive verb and 'moisture' is the direct object. It describes the action of holding or keeping moisture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

39%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retain moisture" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that describes the act of preserving or holding moisture. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears frequently in various contexts, including news, gardening, skincare, and cooking. Its versatile nature allows it to be used in both neutral and professional settings. While alternatives like "hold moisture" or "preserve moisture" exist, "retain moisture" is a direct and effective way to convey the concept of keeping moisture intact. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in many scenarios, making it a valuable term for writers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold moisture

Emphasizes the act of keeping moisture within a substance or area.

preserve moisture

Highlights the effort to maintain moisture over a period.

conserve moisture

Focuses on using moisture efficiently and avoiding waste.

maintain hydration

Implies keeping something or someone adequately hydrated.

keep hydrated

Highlights the state of being hydrated, often referring to skin or body.

lock in moisture

Suggests a secure method of preventing moisture loss.

prevent moisture loss

Focuses on stopping moisture from escaping.

trap moisture

Describes capturing and holding moisture within a confined space.

seal in hydration

Indicates a complete barrier against moisture escaping.

increase water retention

Highlights improving something's capacity to hold water.

FAQs

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

You can use "retain moisture" to describe the ability of a product or substance to hold moisture, such as, "This lotion helps the skin "retain moisture"".

What are some alternatives to "retain moisture"?

Alternatives include "hold moisture", "preserve moisture", or "conserve moisture", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "retain moisture" and "maintain hydration"?

"Retain moisture" typically refers to holding onto existing moisture, while "maintain hydration" implies actively keeping something hydrated. For example, mulch helps soil "retain moisture", while drinking water helps you "maintain hydration".

Is it better to say "retain moisture" or "hold moisture"?

Both "retain moisture" and "hold moisture" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Retain" suggests keeping what's already there, while "hold" implies actively grasping or containing it.