retained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been kept or held onto, such as information, employees, or objects. Example: "The company retained key employees during the restructuring process to maintain stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Music

Opinion

Business

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scotland retained much devolved power after 1707 and has had "Home Rule" since 1998 (Wales, too), the kind Asquith finally enacted in 1914.

The Guardian

The status quo was retained, with 55% of the vote.

The Guardian

It subsequently recovered, prompted by a switch from the traditional 3pm kick-off time to a primetime early evening berth in 2012, which it has retained ever since.

The Guardian

Saker was the only member of the coaching setup retained following the Ashes defeat but is now poised to return to his native Australia in a domestic role.

The Guardian - Sport

The bones of the original garden were retained, including the pergola, to which timber beams were added.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jacobs had retained a fascination with the duo ever since seeing the video to U.G.L.Y and wondering who these two sparky girls were, having so much fun while sounding completely out of step with the musical trends of the time.

The Guardian - Music

Any financial liabilities held, such as outstanding balances on credit cards and student loans, are then subtracted to provide a net measure of wealth Private pension wealth: this includes occupational and personal pensions as well as retained rights in private pensions and pensions in payment.

The Guardian

The government retained its hardline stance on the pensions dispute, saying improved terms offered last month will be removed by the end of the year unless a deal is reached by then.

The Guardian

"That," the official continued, "is why the statute requires that there be minimization procedures to ensure that when communications of, or concerning, US persons are acquired in the course of lawful collection under Section 702, that information is minimized and is retained and disseminated only when appropriate.

The Guardian - Opinion

While he will be retained, both he and Strauss agree he is not a likely candidate for the main job.

The Guardian - Sport

The Oscars also have retained their capacity to surprise.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retained", consider the nuance of keeping something that was already possessed or held. It implies a continuation rather than a new acquisition. For example, use "retained" when referring to skills or information.

Common error

Avoid using "retained" when referring to something newly acquired. "Retained" suggests something was already possessed. For instance, instead of "The company retained a new client", use "The company acquired a new client."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "retained" is that of a past participle verb form, often used to indicate that something has been kept or held onto. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Music

10%

Opinion

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retained" is a past participle verb commonly used to describe the act of keeping something already possessed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility, appearing frequently in news, sports, and business contexts. While synonyms like "kept", "preserved", and "maintained" can be used, "retained" emphasizes a deliberate choice to hold onto something. Avoid using "retained" when referring to the initial acquisition of something new. Its frequent use across authoritative sources makes it a reliable and effective choice in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kept

This alternative is a simpler and more direct synonym, suitable for informal contexts.

preserved

This alternative emphasizes maintaining something in its original condition over time.

maintained

This alternative highlights the effort involved in keeping something at a certain level or standard.

held onto

This alternative suggests a conscious decision to keep possession of something.

conserved

This alternative implies careful management and protection of resources.

possessed

This alternative focuses on the state of having or owning something.

secured

This alternative suggests obtaining and holding something firmly.

reserved

This alternative indicates setting something aside for a specific purpose.

remembered

This alternative relates to keeping information or memories in mind.

memorized

This alternative focuses on learning something by heart and keeping it in memory.

FAQs

How can I use "retained" in a sentence?

Use "retained" to describe keeping something you already had. For example, "The old building "retained its original facade" after the renovation".

What's a good synonym for "retained"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "kept", "preserved", or "maintained" can be used instead of "retained".

Which is correct: "retained" or "obtained"?

"Retained" implies keeping something already owned, while "obtained" means acquiring something new. Choose "retained" if you're talking about maintaining something you already possessed, and "obtained" if you are referring to getting something for the first time.

What is the difference between "retained" and "preserved"?

"Retained" suggests keeping something, while "preserved" implies maintaining something in its original condition. You can use alternatives such as "kept" instead of retained.