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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
retain valid
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "retain valid" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey the idea of keeping something valid, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "Please ensure that you retain valid information throughout the process."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
Academia
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
In summary, when combined, a total of 1,006,868 images retain valid annotated labels for all vessel type, IMO number, draught, length, summer deadweight, and gross tonnage attributes.
The set of sequences is filtered to only retain valid sequences.
Science
Two criteria were applied to retain valid contigs: a similarity of at least 90% and a length alignment of more than 200 amino acid residues to their best matches.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Manual identification of single-hits with information-rich peptides might thus help to reduce protein FDRs, while retaining valid single hits (Grobei et al. 2009).
Science
As the major performance bottleneck is caused by the atomic update of the A[ r][ z] array for almost every step for each photon, ignoring the array update (while still reducing the photon packet weight after each scattering event) causes a major performance boost while still retaining valid reflectance and transmittance outputs.
Science
To keep the Education Rate, you must retain a valid school email address on your NYTimes.com account.
News & Media
The Commission will retain all valid applications received after the maximum number of accounting authorities have been approved and will inform such applicants that should an AAIC become available for reassignment in the future, the Commission will conditionally certify as an accounting authority the oldest of the qualified pending applicants, as determined by the order of receipt.
Academia
So we need to simplify the code list and retain only valid events in this list.
In order to maintain maximal sample size and retain all valid data for the LCR, we simulated missing data for all variables using multiple imputation (MI).
Consequently, in order to retain all valid data, maintain maximal sample size for the MLR, and make the datasets the same for each of the 10 HRQOL models, we simulated missing data for all variables using multiple imputation (MI).
We then retained 7676 valid spots throughout the 48 membranes and 12 samples studied.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When aiming to express the idea of keeping something valid, prefer using phrases like "maintain validity" or "ensure validity" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness.
Common error
Avoid directly combining "retain" with "valid" as it results in an awkward and ungrammatical phrase. Instead, rephrase your sentence to use a more appropriate structure like "maintain the validity of" or "retain a valid [document/license/etc.]".
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "retain valid" functions as a verb followed by an adjective, but this combination is grammatically unusual. Ludwig AI highlights the incorrectness, and examples demonstrate the need for a noun to create a correct phrase, such as "maintain validity."
Frequent in
Science
50%
Academia
30%
News & Media
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "retain valid" is considered grammatically incorrect, as flagged by Ludwig AI. While the intention is to convey the idea of preserving the validity of something, the phrase requires restructuring for improved clarity and correctness. As the analysis has shown, and consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment, more appropriate alternatives such as "maintain validity" or "ensure validity" are recommended. Usage is rare, with examples primarily found in scientific and academic contexts. Therefore, it is best to avoid "retain valid" in formal writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
maintain validity
This alternative uses a noun ("validity") instead of an adjective, making the phrase grammatically correct.
preserve validity
This alternative replaces "retain" with "preserve", offering a slightly different nuance but maintaining the core meaning of keeping something valid.
keep valid
This is a more direct way of expressing the idea, using the verb "keep" which is generally acceptable in certain contexts.
maintain valid status
This alternative clarifies that it's the status of something being valid that is being maintained.
ensure validity
This phrase shifts the focus to ensuring that something is valid, rather than simply keeping it that way.
sustain validity
Implies prolonging or extending the period something is valid.
keep in force
This suggests maintaining something legally or officially valid.
hold good
An informal substitute that indicates something remains effective or applicable.
prolong validity
Suggests making the state of being valid last longer.
extend validity
This option is very similar to the one above but implies a more measurable increase in time.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "retain valid" to sound more natural?
Instead of "retain valid", consider using phrases like "maintain validity", "preserve validity", or "keep valid" depending on the context.
Is "retain valid" grammatically correct?
No, "retain valid" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "maintain validity" which is a more acceptable form.
What's the difference between "retain valid" and "maintain validity"?
"Retain valid" is grammatically incorrect, while "maintain validity" is the proper way to express the idea of keeping something in a valid state. The latter uses a noun form which is more grammatically sound.
When is it appropriate to use "retain valid"?
It's generally not appropriate to use "retain valid" in formal or academic writing because it is grammatically incorrect. Opt for more standard phrases like "maintain validity" or "keep valid".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
2.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested