retained hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retained hope" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of keeping or maintaining hope in a situation, often in a context of adversity or uncertainty. Example: "Despite the challenges they faced, she retained hope that things would improve in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Although officials retained hope of salvaging further play today it seems unlikely as no further announcement is to be made until 4pm.

The Guardian - Sport

He tried not to become jaded or cynical, he said, and retained hope that people who had made mistakes could turn their lives around.

The New York Times

But they were still in charge — and retained hope that that would be the case for future generations of Wilpons and Katzes.

The New York Times - Sports

Daniele Polito, who was travelling in the same car as Jones when the plane crashed, and motorcyclist Mark Trussler, from Worthing, have both been missing since Saturday, but their respective families have retained hope that they might be alive.

The Guardian

Members retained hope for an infusion of energy over the weekend, but as it approached, the issue was not that the Bastille hadn't been stormed, but that its facade had suffered hardly a chip.

The New York Times

City's win meant they retained hope of finishing top of Group D, although they will need to beat champions Bayern Munich convincingly in their last game to do so.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It was when he was asked if he retained hopes of regaining the title that the current mood around the club became most clear.

Independent

Meanwhile, England's women retained hopes of qualification for Rio after winning the Plate final 19-0 against France at The Stoop.

BBC

Tottenham retain hope.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite this broad media consensus, Iran's political leaders retain hope that Iran-Saudi relations can improve.

The Guardian

You can read this subtle detail as an ironically trite commentary on retaining hope and powering through misery.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retained hope" to emphasize the active effort of maintaining a positive outlook in adverse situations. For example, "Despite the setbacks, the team retained hope for a successful outcome."

Common error

Avoid using "retained hope" when the situation has clearly resolved or when a successful outcome is guaranteed. The phrase is most effective when highlighting perseverance in the face of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retained hope" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a clause. It indicates the act of maintaining or keeping a positive expectation or belief, often amidst unfavorable circumstances. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "retained hope" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies the maintenance of optimism, even in challenging situations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral to slightly formal tone. Alternatives such as "held onto hope" and "remained optimistic" offer similar meanings. When employing this phrase, it's best to emphasize the persistence of a positive outlook amid uncertainty, while avoiding its application in situations already resolved or guaranteed to succeed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held onto hope

Emphasizes clinging to hope during difficult times.

remained optimistic

Focuses on a state of being continuously optimistic.

kept faith

Implies a steadfast trust and expectation.

sustained belief

Focuses on the continuation of a belief over time.

maintained optimism

Focuses on the positive outlook aspect of retaining hope.

preserved optimism

Highlights the act of keeping optimism alive.

clung to the belief

Highlights the tenacity in maintaining a belief against odds.

continued to expect

States a direct continuation of expecting a positive outcome.

nursed the expectation

Suggests carefully fostering a hope or expectation.

harbored the anticipation

Implies secretly or inwardly holding onto anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "retained hope" in a sentence?

Use "retained hope" to describe someone who continues to be optimistic despite facing challenges. For example, "Even after the initial failures, the scientists "retained hope" of finding a cure."

What are some alternatives to saying "retained hope"?

You can use alternatives like "held onto hope", "maintained optimism", or "remained optimistic" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "retained hope" or "held onto hope"?

Both ""retained hope"" and "held onto hope" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference, with "held onto hope" perhaps sounding slightly more informal.

What's the difference between "retained hope" and "regained hope"?

"Retained hope" suggests hope was continuously present, even if diminished. "Regained hope" implies hope was lost and then recovered, suggesting a more significant shift in outlook.