retain them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to keeping or holding onto something, such as information, objects, or people. Example: "In order to maintain continuity in the project, it is essential to retain them for the duration of the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it has struggled to retain them.

The Economist

"Failed to retain them, possibly..."...

The Guardian

Otherwise it is impossible to retain them.

The New York Times

We are struggling to retain them.

The New York Times - Health

But we retain them because they are fiercely competitive individuals.

Independent

"We've been able to retain them, and it made sense from an organizational standpoint".

The New York Times - Sports

So much so that the big traditional employers are having to fight to retain them.

The Economist

Then, to retain them, they have had to offer appealing (and unsustainably unprofitable) returns.

The Economist

None the less they had the audience by then, and managed to retain them.

Independent

Merrill brokers were notified this Friday about Bank of America's plans to retain them.

The New York Times

But he thinks they are wrong on antisocial behaviour orders and would retain them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing employee retention, use "retain them" to emphasize the company's active effort to keep valuable employees. For instance, "Offering competitive benefits helps to "retain them" and reduce turnover."

Common error

Avoid using "attain them" when you mean "retain them". "Attain" means to achieve something, while "retain" means to keep something you already have. An example of correct usage: "The company strives to "retain them", its most valuable employees, by offering competitive benefits".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain them" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a transitive verb requiring a direct object. It indicates the action of keeping or holding onto something or someone. As Ludwig AI indicates, it follows standard grammar rules and is broadly usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retain them" is a grammatically correct and widely used verb phrase that means to keep or hold onto something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is particularly common in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, consider using synonyms such as "keep them" or "hold onto them" for variety, but avoid confusing it with similar-sounding phrases like "attain them". Companies can use tailored strategies to "retain their most valuable employees" to lower churn rate and enhance engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep them

This alternative uses a more common and general verb for maintaining possession.

hold onto them

This suggests a more active and deliberate effort to keep something.

hold them

A shorter, more direct way of saying "retain them".

preserve them

This implies keeping something in its original condition.

preserve them

Suggests protecting something so that it continues to exist.

conserve them

This suggests careful use to avoid loss or depletion.

maintain them

This implies keeping them in good working order or condition.

sustain them

This refers to providing what is needed for continued existence.

secure them

Emphasizes making sure that something is safe and protected.

safeguard them

Highlights the protection of something from harm or loss.

FAQs

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

You can use "retain them" when you want to express the idea of keeping someone or something. For example, "The company needs to improve its policies in order to "retain them", its talented employees".

What are some alternatives to "retain them"?

Some alternatives to "retain them" include "keep them", "hold onto them", or "maintain them", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "retain them" or "keep them"?

Both "retain them" and "keep them" are correct. "Retain them" might be preferable in more formal or professional contexts, while "keep them" is generally more common in everyday language.

What strategies can businesses use to "retain them", their employees?

Businesses can use strategies such as offering competitive salaries, providing opportunities for professional development, and creating a positive work environment to "retain them", their employees.