retain to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retain to" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a misuse of "retain" and "to," as "retain" typically does not pair with "to" in this context. An example of a correct usage might be: "Please retain the information for future reference."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The crucial question is how much power Mr. Mugabe will retain to intimidate opponents and veto economic reforms.

The New York Times

The key difference is who, for practical purposes, will be planning and commissioning those services and what powers the secretary of state will retain to intervene.

The Guardian - Opinion

Consumption held up remarkably well in 2009, rising 0.4 percent, as companies took advantage of government-subsidized "short work" programs to retain to employees.

The New York Times

Among other rights, the states "retain to themselves the right of judging how far the licentiousness of speech and of the press may be abridged without lessening their useful freedom".

The New Yorker

Ten and a half million dollars will be spent on the restoration which will retain, to the old curmudgeon's delight, the Plaza's old moldings, panellings, and gray marble fireplaces.

The New Yorker

Most of the killings were in Cyrenaica, where resentment against Mr Qaddafi also stemmed from economic neglect, the attachment that some retain to the royal family he overthrew, and the fact that Cyrenaica has historically been independent of western Libya.Mellowing, but not changingIn recent years Mr Qaddafi has appeared to mellow.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Mike Westhoff was retained to coach the special teams.

The New York Times

"I've been retained to explore every option," Mr. Sherman said.

The New York Times

No firm has been retained to lead the search yet.

The New York Times - Sports

Stimulus measures 'must be retained to safeguard recovery'.

Independent

Rio has retained six investment banks, as many as BHP has retained, to advise it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "retain to". Instead, use "retain" followed by the object being retained. For example, "retain control", "retain rights", or "retain sensitivity".

Common error

A common mistake is adding 'to' after 'retain'. "Retain" typically doesn't require 'to' unless it's part of a larger infinitive phrase. For example, avoid "retain to grow" and use "retain to do something only when 'retain' indicates to keep in order to do something".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retain to" functions incorrectly as it attempts to link the verb retain with an unnecessary preposition. As Ludwig AI points out, "retain" typically does not pair with "to" in this context. It is often used to express the act of keeping or maintaining something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "retain to" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI explains, the verb "retain" typically does not require the preposition "to" immediately following it. While the intended meaning is generally to express the act of keeping or maintaining something, the incorrect usage obscures this purpose. It's more appropriate to use "retain" directly followed by the object being kept, as in "retain control", "retain rights", or "retain information". Remember to avoid this common error to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain control over

Emphasizes the act of keeping authority or power.

maintain

Implies keeping something at a consistent level or standard.

retain possession of

Focuses on maintaining physical control or ownership, adding a specific context of possession.

keep

A general term for maintaining possession or a state.

hold on to

Implies keeping something, often against some force or difficulty, suggesting a struggle to retain.

keep a hold of

Similar to "hold on to", emphasizing physical or metaphorical grip.

hold onto

A more casual way of saying "hold on to", implying resistance to losing something.

preserve

Highlights the act of maintaining something in its original state, preventing damage or decay.

preserve something

Focuses on keeping a particular item or quality intact.

conserve

Similar to preserve but focuses on careful use to prevent depletion.

FAQs

How can I properly use the word "retain" in a sentence?

Use "retain" directly followed by the object or concept you are keeping. For example, "retain control", "retain information", or "retain rights".

What's a common mistake to avoid when using "retain"?

Avoid adding "to" immediately after "retain" unless it's part of a larger infinitive phrase. Saying "retain to do something" is generally incorrect; instead, directly state what is being retained.

Which phrase is correct: "retain control" or "retain to control"?

"Retain control" is the correct phrase. "Retain to control" is grammatically incorrect.

Are there alternatives to the word "retain"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "keep", "maintain", or "preserve".