retain the right

USAGE SUMMARY

"retain the right" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone has a right to hold onto something, usually a privilege or power. For example, "The government has decided to retain the right to make decisions about trade tariffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I always retain the right to overrule the vote.

Stanford University

Birds, on the other hand, retain the right fourth arch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But I retain the right to do whatever I want".

The Guardian - Arts

IHSS consumers would retain the right to hire, direct, and fire their IHSS workers (DHCS, 2012).

University of California, Berkeley

Surely fiduciaries must retain the right to self-interested behavior in some corner of their life.

Harvard University

The states, which had previously regulated securities trading, retain the right to do so.

The Economist

We retain the right to edit or not publish the fan's review as appropriate.

Independent

And unions would retain the right to negotiate what portion of premiums their members paid.

The New York Times

Perhaps this time, Bolivia will retain the right to exist, and get to keep its riches.

The New York Times

Congress may also retain the right to terminate legislation by joint action of both houses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Defendants retain the right to appeal in the military court and the High Court of Justice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retain the right" to clearly indicate that an entity or individual is keeping a specific power, privilege, or entitlement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "retain the right" implies an unlimited or unrestricted right. Always clarify the specific limitations or conditions associated with the retained right.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain the right" functions as a declarative expression, indicating the preservation or maintenance of a specific entitlement, power, or privilege. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in various contexts, affirming its role in legal, organizational, and individual assertions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retain the right" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the maintenance of a specific entitlement, power, or privilege. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used across diverse contexts. Analysis of various sources shows frequent use in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. While "retain the right" signifies keeping an entitlement, it's essential to define the scope and limitations of that right. Alternatives include "maintain the prerogative" or "preserve the entitlement", offering nuanced ways to express similar concepts. When writing, ensure clarity about what right is being retained and any conditions attached to it. The prevalence of "retain the right" in authoritative sources underscores its validity and utility in formal and neutral communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain the prerogative

This alternative emphasizes the preservation of a special advantage or exclusive right.

preserve the entitlement

Focuses on keeping a guaranteed privilege or benefit.

uphold the privilege

Highlights defending and maintaining a special right or advantage.

hold onto the authority

Implies keeping control or power over something.

keep the entitlement

Suggests maintaining possession of a guaranteed right.

reserve the power

Emphasizes setting aside or keeping a specific authority for future use.

sustain the entitlement

Focuses on continuing to support or maintain a right or benefit.

secure the prerogative

Implies ensuring the continued possession of a special right or advantage.

hold on to the entitlement

Emphasizes maintaining possession of a right or benefit, often against potential challenges.

safeguard the privilege

Highlights protecting a special right or advantage from potential harm or loss.

FAQs

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

You can use "retain the right" to indicate that someone or something keeps a specific power or privilege. For example, "The company will "retain the right" to change its policies at any time."

What are some alternatives to "retain the right"?

Alternatives include phrases like "maintain the prerogative", "preserve the entitlement", or "hold onto the authority", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "retain the right" or "keep the right"?

"Retain the right" is generally considered more formal than "keep the right". "Retain" suggests a more deliberate and official preservation of a right, while "keep" is more general.

What does it mean to "retain the right" in a legal context?

In a legal context, to ""retain the right"" means to keep a legal entitlement or power, often one that might otherwise be lost or relinquished. It signifies a conscious decision to maintain that right.