retained in place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retained in place" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is held or kept in a specific position or location. Example: "The components must be securely retained in place to ensure the stability of the structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Although the Globe has declared a willingness to change Shakespeare's words in the interests of modern comprehensibility, the shifts here are minor: "an" becomes "if", but "trow" is retained in place of its modern meaning of "know".

The Guardian

Cohen wrote the tune in 1984, and it has retained in place in people's hearts the past three decades, finding its way into countless films, shows and covers.

Huffington Post

The syringe was retained in place for 2 min after injection and then slowly removed.

Chinese Journal of Cancer

The needle was retained in place for 5 min after injection.

Cell Death and Disease

The fact that the staples are retained in place at every level of the Golgi stack further emphasizes the static nature of the cisterna on the time scale being studied (5 6 hr) and also rules out the caveat that the apparently stable cis localization of staples at 16°C results from anterograde transport followed by efficient retrieval to the cis cisternae.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Barrett was retained in the China Theater, but placed in an inferior position.

Wikipedia

Keeping constant pressure will keep the upper lock pins and their retaining springs in place when you remove the cylinder plug.

WikiHow

Position the anchor plate over the hole in the toggle flange and drive the retaining screw in place.

The New York Times

He helped Rushden to runners-up spot in the Conference in 2000, and retained his place in England's semi-professional side.

Wikipedia

In the end, at the insistence of developing countries — Bangladesh in particular — "microcredit" retained its place in the name, but Secretary-General Kofi Annan used the word "microfinance" in his opening statement.

The New Yorker

Neymar, whose World Cup came to a premature end after he fractured a bone in his spine, retained his place in the starting XI.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retained in place" when you want to emphasize that something is deliberately kept in its current position, often to maintain stability or functionality. For example, "The bandage should be retained in place for at least 24 hours."

Common error

While "retained in place" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Consider simpler alternatives like "kept there" or "held steady" for casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retained in place" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is being kept or maintained in a specific location or condition. Ludwig AI shows examples where it describes physical objects and abstract concepts being deliberately maintained.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retained in place" is a grammatically correct phrase that signifies something is deliberately kept in its current position. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's most frequently used in science, news, and media contexts, with a formal to neutral tone. While useful for emphasizing stability or functionality, simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal settings. When writing, remember to use this phrase to highlight the deliberate action of keeping something in its original position. Alternatives such as "kept in position" or "secured in location" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kept in position

Focuses on maintaining a specific spatial arrangement.

held steady

Implies stability and resistance to movement.

secured in location

Emphasizes the act of making something firm and unmovable.

fixed in position

Suggests a more permanent or unchangeable state.

maintained in situ

A more formal and technical term, often used in scientific or medical contexts.

preserved in its spot

Highlights the idea of keeping something in its original or designated location.

left undisturbed

Emphasizes the lack of alteration or movement.

stable in its place

Focuses on the stability and lack of movement of the object.

firmly positioned

Highlights the firmness and precision of the placement.

lodged in position

Suggests something is firmly stuck or embedded.

FAQs

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

You can use "retained in place" to describe something that is deliberately kept in its position. For example: "The safety clip must be "kept in position"" to prevent accidental release." or "The device is "secured in location"" using screws."

What are some alternatives to "retained in place"?

Alternatives include "kept in position", "held steady", or "secured in location", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "retained in place" formal or informal?

"Retained in place" tends to be more formal. In casual contexts, consider using simpler phrases like "kept there" or "held steady".

When is it appropriate to use "retained in place"?

It is appropriate to use "retained in place" when you want to emphasize the deliberate act of maintaining something's position, especially in technical or formal contexts where precision is important, like in science or engineering.