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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
retaining as a
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "retaining as a" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe a role or function, but it lacks context to be usable. Example: "He is retaining as a consultant for the project."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
She needs retaining as a perpetual parcel, to be unwrapped and savoured at times of national absurdity.
News & Media
Against that backdrop Sturridge's overall goal return is outstanding – 60 in 118 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, 46 in 88 in the Premier League – and supports those who argue he is worth retaining as a back-up option.
News & Media
Retaining "" as a nickname, he helped to develop various businesses and local events, acted as a partner in the first licensed brewery in Northern Rhodesia (alongside Lester Blake-Jolly), and became "one of the pillars of society in the Broken Hill of those days", according to Spurr.
Wiki
If governments and private funders believe that genomics as a funding category is permanent and worth retaining as a separate category for analysis, it will need a more uniform definition.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Schilling was retained as a consultant.
News & Media
The former defensive coordinator Foge Fazio was retained as a consultant.
News & Media
Mubārak's cabinet was retained as a transitional body.
Encyclopedias
However, hundreds of pamphlets (classed WET) were retained as a separate collection.
Academia
This copy will be retained as a measure of the license granted.
Academia
Could one be retained as a reminder of that special time and place?
Academia
And Thomas S. Rogers, the former chief executive of Primedia, was retained as a consultant on television issues.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using "retaining as a" due to its awkward phrasing. Opt for clearer alternatives like "keeping as" or "maintaining as" for improved readability.
Common error
Avoid using "retaining as a" when a more direct verb like "keeping", "maintaining", or "designating" would provide clarity and grammatical correctness.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "retaining as a" functions primarily to indicate the continuation of something in a specific role or condition. However, Ludwig AI flags it as potentially incorrect, suggesting it may not always convey a clear meaning in written English. Examples show it used to describe maintaining someone as a consultant or keeping something as a reference.
Frequent in
News & Media
41%
Science
35%
Wiki
14%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
4%
Academia
2%
Formal & Business
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "retaining as a" is found in various contexts, including news, science, and wiki sources, Ludwig AI indicates it might not be the most grammatically sound or clear choice. It functions to express the idea of maintaining something in a particular role. For improved clarity and readability, consider alternatives such as "keeping as", "maintaining as", or other more direct verbs depending on the intended meaning. Always aim for precision in your writing by choosing verbs that accurately convey the intended action or state.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
keeping as
Emphasizes the act of maintaining possession or status.
maintaining as
Highlights the ongoing effort to preserve a specific state or role.
holding as
Focuses on the action of keeping something in a certain condition or position.
preserving as
Stresses the act of protecting something from change or loss.
conserving as
Implies careful management to avoid depletion or degradation.
using as
Highlights the functional purpose something serves.
employing as
Focuses on utilizing something for a specific task or function.
utilizing as
Emphasizes the practical application of something.
designating as
Highlights the act of officially assigning a role or function.
appointing as
Focuses on the formal act of selecting someone for a role.
FAQs
What are some alternatives to "retaining as a"?
Consider using alternatives such as "keeping as", "maintaining as", or "holding as" depending on the specific context.
Is "retaining as a" grammatically correct?
While the individual words are valid, the phrase "retaining as a" can sound awkward. It's often better to use a more direct and clear phrasing for better readability.
How can I improve the clarity of sentences using "retaining as a"?
Replace "retaining as a" with more precise verbs that convey the intended meaning directly. For example, instead of "retaining as a consultant", say "hired as a consultant" or "kept as a consultant".
What is the difference between "retaining as a" and "serving as a"?
"Retaining as a" implies keeping something in a particular role, while "serving as a" suggests actively fulfilling a role. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning of the sentence.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested