retaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of keeping or holding onto something, such as information, employees, or skills. Example: "The company is focused on retaining its top talent to ensure continued success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With its unexpected revival, Ripper Street has grown broader shoulders and a more confident gait, while retaining the stillness that made it so impressive in the first place.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The first, based on the premise of retaining yes and no as response options, is the format currently in the referendum bill.

The Guardian

Lawn laughs softly at the memory, an illustration of how this lifelong fan, whose first match was a 3-0 win over Southport in 1964, is retaining perspective despite a desperately trying period for him, his wife, Yvonne, and their five children.

The Guardian - Sport

He agreed that retaining talent helps to attract talent, but added that it was important to "refresh" the organisation: "Loss of talent can be reinvigorating… it should be seen as a positive step".

The Guardian

"As with some other major AAA-rated sovereigns, unless off-setting measures were adopted, the capacity of UK public finances to absorb adverse economic and financial shocks that would result in yet higher public debt while retaining its 'AAA' status has largely been exhausted," it said.

The Guardian

Attaching an author addendum to your publishing agreement is a great way to publish where you want while still retaining the right to openly distribute your work.

The Guardian

Once you've mastered the basics, you can play around with the recipe to your heart's content (and it ought to be content: many versions are very low in fat) – but the guiding principle should always be to cram as many contrasts of flavour and texture into each bite as possible, while retaining the roll's elegant appearance (ie don't get too Man v Food about it).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Retaining the data scientists they recruit requires designing career paths that meet their need for intellectual challenges and that give them appropriate recognition.

The Guardian

Retaining the goalkeeper John Ruddy and winger Nathan Redmond would be a good start but strengthening the rest of the spine – central defence, central midfield and centre-forward – looks necessary.

The Guardian - Sport

Walsh and IAG have said that Aer Lingus would also continue routes between Heathrow and Cork and Shannon for the next seven years, as well as retaining its distinct Irish corporate brand.

The Guardian - Business

For the dwindling numbers of us still retaining faith in Westminster, this is a depressing state of affairs – as most politicians know in their hearts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about talent management, use "retaining" to emphasize the proactive effort involved in keeping valuable employees within an organization.

Common error

While "keeping" is a general term, "retaining" often implies a deliberate effort to hold onto something valuable that might otherwise be lost. Use "retaining" when you want to highlight this active preservation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "retaining" is as a present participle, often used in continuous verb forms (e.g., "is retaining") or as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "retaining wall"). Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retaining" is a versatile present participle with a strong emphasis on actively keeping or preserving something. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news, business, and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that while similar to "keeping", "retaining" often suggests a deliberate effort against potential loss. Ludwig's examples and analysis offer clear guidance on its proper usage, helping you to effectively communicate the idea of maintaining or holding onto something valuable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeping

Focuses on the act of holding onto something without necessarily implying a struggle or effort.

maintaining

Suggests a focus on preserving the current state or condition of something.

preserving

Emphasizes protecting something from harm or decay, often with a sense of value.

holding on to

Implies a deliberate act of keeping something, often against a force or challenge.

conserving

Focuses on careful management and avoidance of waste to ensure long-term availability.

sustaining

Highlights the act of providing support or nourishment to keep something in existence.

safeguarding

Implies protecting something from potential danger or harm.

securing

Focuses on ensuring that something is safe and protected from loss or theft.

guarding

Emphasizes protecting something from unwanted access or harm.

upholding

Suggests maintaining a principle or standard, often in the face of opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "retaining" in a sentence?

You can use "retaining" to describe the act of keeping something, such as "retaining information", "retaining employees", or "retaining skills". For example: "The company is focused on "retaining" its top talent."

What are some alternatives to "retaining"?

Alternatives include "keeping", "maintaining", or "preserving", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "retaining" and "maintaining"?

"Retaining" implies keeping something you already have, often with effort. "Maintaining" suggests keeping something in its current condition. Use "retaining" when emphasizing the act of holding onto something against potential loss, while "maintaining" focuses on preserving its current state.

How does "retaining" differ from "keeping"?

While both words mean to hold onto something, "retaining" often suggests a more active and deliberate effort to prevent loss. "Keeping" is a more general term, whereas "retaining" emphasizes the act of holding onto something of value, often requiring effort or specific strategies.