retain the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain the idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of keeping or preserving a particular concept or thought in a conversation or piece of writing. Example: "In order to develop a strong argument, it is essential to retain the idea that clarity is key to effective communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Some intermediate designs retain the idea of two sorts of engine, but the goal is that the car should be powered by electric motors alone.

The Economist

"They are anxious for us to continue our program … so they can retain the idea they have purchased and are delivering high-quality meat from the US".

The Guardian

It is not enough to imagine that the brain houses the mind (in some obscure cavity, perhaps tiny intracellular pockets), or gives rise to the mind (the way a television produces an image), or generates the mind (a generator producing current): to imagine any of those things is to retain the idea that the mind and the brain are distinct from each other.

The New Yorker

For instance, both essays retain the idea from Althusser's 1947 thesis about the quasi-transcendental status of present scientific knowledge.

SEP

But theists typically reserve some role for the freedom of God and thus seek to retain the idea that the cosmos is contingent.

SEP

Combinatorial approaches to analysing intrinsicality retain the idea that what distinguishes intrinsic properties from many extrinsic properties is their distinctive modal profile.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But Ashton retains the idea of an impossible match.

The New York Times - Arts

Accordingly, in its draft articles finally adopted in 2001, the International Law Commission dispensed with this politically divisive approach but retained the idea of a more serious form of international wrong.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Discarding the religious elements, Boulez has retained the idea of interleaving languages, creating a work for a solo violin that conducts a dialogue with an electronically transformed version of itself.

The Guardian

Claude's interpretation of what it is to be a camera, far from following Christopher Isherwood's "quite passive, recording, not thinking", proves a liberal one, which retains the idea of his presence at the scene but places no importance on the veracity of what he writes about.

The Guardian - Film

Then, retaining the idea that coordination is costly for unions, it investigates the bargaining regimes which arise as sub-game perfect equilibria.

SERIEs

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retain the idea", ensure it aligns with the context of preserving a thought or concept amidst potential changes or challenges. It's effective when discussing maintaining a consistent perspective or principle.

Common error

Avoid using "retain the idea" when you simply mean to remember something. This phrase is more appropriate when emphasizing the preservation of a concept against opposing forces or changing circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain the idea" functions as a verbal phrase. Ludwig AI examples and the broader corpus reveal its use in expressing the preservation of a concept or thought despite potential changes or opposition. It highlights the importance of maintaining a specific notion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retain the idea" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of preserving a concept or thought, especially amidst changing circumstances. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. While it can appear in various contexts, it is frequently found in news, science, and encyclopedia sources. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intention of maintaining a consistent perspective or principle, rather than simply recalling information. Remember to use more direct alternatives such as "keep the concept" and "maintain the notion" when appropriate to provide clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Retain the viewpoint

Similar in structure to "retain the idea" but focuses on a specific perspective.

Retain the attitude

Similar in structure to "retain the idea" but emphasizes a specific mental approach.

Keep the concept

Focuses on the act of keeping, emphasizing preservation of the concept.

Maintain the notion

Highlights the act of maintaining, suggesting a consistent upholding of the idea.

Preserve the thought

Emphasizes the act of preserving, giving a sense of protecting the thought from change or loss.

Hold onto the belief

Implies gripping or securing the belief, suggesting a strong adherence.

Remember the concept

Highlights keeping the concept in memory, focusing on recall.

Uphold the principle

Focuses on supporting or defending the principle, signifying a moral or structured stance.

Conserve the understanding

Highlights careful management and preservation of the understanding.

Sustain the vision

Suggests prolonging or maintaining the vision over time.

FAQs

How can I use "retain the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "retain the idea" to emphasize the importance of keeping a concept or thought in mind despite changing circumstances. For example: "It is crucial to "retain the idea" that simplicity is key to effective design."

What phrases are similar to "retain the idea"?

Similar phrases include "keep the concept", "maintain the notion", and "preserve the thought", all emphasizing the preservation of a concept.

Is there a difference between "retain the idea" and "remember the idea"?

"Retain the idea" suggests a more active effort to keep a concept alive or relevant, whereas "remember the idea" simply refers to recalling it from memory. Retaining implies a continuous, deliberate action.

In what contexts is "retain the idea" most appropriate?

"Retain the idea" is best used in contexts where there is a risk of losing sight of a core concept, such as during complex projects, philosophical debates, or periods of significant change. In these situations, emphasizing the need to ""retain the idea"" is crucial for maintaining focus and direction.