retaining hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retaining hope" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of maintaining a sense of optimism or belief in a positive outcome despite challenges or difficulties. Example: "Even in the face of adversity, she found strength in retaining hope for a better future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Film

Retaining hope allows patients to continue to focus their minds on aspects that give meaning to their lives.

British Medical Journal

Being open to the future, retaining hope, and allowing for the possibility of improvement regardless of prognosis is common in chronic illness narratives [ 19, 32].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

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

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

Seconds from earning the victory it needed to retain hope of qualifying for the London Olympics, the United States had victory slip through its grasp Monday night.

The New York Times - Sports

Deng's presence, however, will ensure Great Britain retain hope of qualifying out of a tough-looking Group B that includes the 2006 world champions Spain.

The Guardian - Sport

Six months after her disappearance, the Coriams, Mike and Ann, have told the Guardian of their daily struggle to keep going and that they retain hope she is still alive.

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "retaining hope" when you want to emphasize the active effort required to maintain a positive outlook in challenging situations. It's particularly effective when contrasting against despair or giving up.

Common error

Avoid using "retaining hope" in situations where optimism is already high and there's little to no struggle. The phrase carries a weight of adversity, and using it in lighthearted contexts can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retaining hope" functions as a verbal phrase that typically acts as a noun modifier or part of a larger verb construction. It describes the action of maintaining a positive outlook, often against unfavorable odds. Ludwig AI confirms this is appropriate.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "retaining hope" is a grammatically correct phrase that emphasizes the active maintenance of a positive outlook during challenging times. Ludwig confirms its validity and appropriateness. While less frequent in general usage, it appears in diverse contexts, particularly in news and scientific reporting. When using "retaining hope", consider the degree of adversity involved and strive for contexts in which conscious effort is needed to preserve a positive outlook. Alternatives such as "maintaining hope" or "holding onto hope" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. While the phrase is correct and well-understood, according to Ludwig AI, it's worth noting that its impactful and less common nature can make writing more evocative and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining hope

Focuses on the act of keeping hope alive.

holding onto hope

Emphasizes the action of gripping or clinging to hope.

keeping hope alive

Highlights the effort to prevent hope from fading.

preserving hope

Stresses the importance of protecting and conserving hope.

clinging to hope

Implies a desperate hold on hope in difficult circumstances.

sustaining hope

Focuses on providing the necessary support for hope to continue.

fostering hope

Highlights the nurturing and encouragement of hope.

harboring hope

Suggests quietly holding onto hope within oneself.

cultivating hope

Emphasizes the careful development and growth of hope.

nurturing hope

Implies gentle care and attention to encourage hope to flourish.

FAQs

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

You can use "retaining hope" to describe maintaining a positive outlook amidst difficulties. For example: "Despite the challenges, she focused on "retaining hope" for a better future."

What are some alternatives to "retaining hope"?

Alternatives include "maintaining hope", "holding onto hope", or "keeping hope alive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more common to say "retain hope" or "retaining hope"?

"Retain hope" is often used as a directive or a general statement, while "retaining hope" emphasizes the ongoing process of maintaining that hope in a challenging situation.

What's the difference between "retaining hope" and simply being optimistic?

"Retaining hope" implies an active effort to maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity, whereas optimism can be a more general disposition. "Retaining hope" suggests a conscious choice to not give up, even when things are difficult.