retained to

USAGE SUMMARY

"retained to" is correct and is used in written English.
It is mainly used when referring to keeping something for a specific purpose or for a specific reason. For example: The company retained some of their older equipment to use as spare parts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Mike Westhoff was retained to coach the special teams.

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

Lazard is the investment banking firm that has been retained to sell Hollinger International assets.

The New York Times

In March 2006 he was retained to develop a strategic plan for Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The New York Times - Arts

South Yorkshire police refused, saying the details would be retained "to aid criminal investigation".

The Guardian

They are not being retained to protect the country, but to overthrow the government".

The New York Times

K-Hole has been retained to consult at several tech and fashion companies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lazard Freres & Company, the investment bank, was retained to look for a buyer.

The New York Times

She said a small staff would be retained "to support our creative endeavors".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retained to" when you want to emphasize a deliberate decision to keep something or someone for a specific function or reason.

Common error

Avoid using "retained to" when simply meaning 'kept'. "Retained" implies a specific reason or function, not just a general act of keeping.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retained to" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of keeping something or someone for a specific purpose. It shows a deliberate decision to maintain possession or use for a defined reason. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retained to" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate that something or someone is kept for a specific purpose. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and commonly used in written English. Its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings, underscores its utility in conveying deliberate decisions and intentions. When using "retained to", it's essential to clearly state the purpose of retention to provide adequate context and avoid ambiguity. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively incorporate "retained to" into their writing and improve overall clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hired for the purpose of

Focuses on the employment of someone specifically for a given goal or task.

employed to

Highlights the active use of something or someone for a particular task or role.

appointed for the task of

Specifies that someone has been officially assigned to a particular duty or responsibility.

utilized in order to

Focuses on the practical application of something for a specific outcome, suggesting efficiency.

commissioned to

Highlights that someone has been hired to do something. More directly related to retaining someone's services.

maintained for the purpose of

Emphasizes the intention behind keeping something, highlighting the specific reason or goal.

preserved so that

Focuses on the act of protecting something to ensure its availability for a future need.

kept in order to

Focuses on the act of maintaining something for a specific purpose, emphasizing order and arrangement.

conserved for use in

Highlights the careful management of resources to ensure they are available for a specific application.

held back to

Indicates that something is being reserved or kept aside for a later purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "retained to" to indicate that something or someone is kept for a specific purpose. For example, "The consultant was "retained to" advise on the project" or "The original files were "retained to" ensure data integrity."

What are some alternatives to "retained to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "kept in order to", "maintained for the purpose of", or "employed to".

When is it appropriate to use "retained to"?

"Retained to" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the specific reason or function for keeping something or someone. It implies a deliberate decision based on a clear purpose.

Is "retained to" formal or informal?

"Retained to" is suitable for both neutral and formal contexts, particularly in professional, academic, and news settings. It is less common in informal conversation.