retaining to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retaining to" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "relating to"? You can use "relating to" when you want to indicate a connection or relevance to a particular subject or topic. Example: "The report includes several sections relating to environmental impact."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It was something he bore with great fortitude, never complaining, and retaining to the end his encyclopaedic memory.

The Guardian

Just as its greatest icon will continue to exist, it is to be hoped, in undiluted form, retaining to the end that undimmed Pelé-power, the indissolubly noble Pelé of the imagination.

The Guardian - Sport

Possibly because I was denied "The Untouchables," I became a fan, retaining to this day my original sense of Shakespeare as a foreign language that I could miraculously more-or-less comprehend.

The New York Times - Arts

In the period from 1655 to 1660, Maes devoted himself to domestic genre on a smaller scale, retaining to a great extent the use of colour he had learned from Rembrandt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They succeed in recruiting and retaining to degree women or students of color.

Science Magazine

Yet this unique family of peptides has faced uncommon hurdles in their discovery, synthesis and bioengineering, retaining to characteristics that truly deviate these from their linear counterparts.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Mike Westhoff was retained to coach the special teams.

The New York Times

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

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

Rio has retained six investment banks, as many as BHP has retained, to advise it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more precise and grammatically correct alternatives such as "retaining" followed by the appropriate preposition (e.g. "retaining control of", "retaining access to") instead of "retaining to".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "retaining to". It's grammatically incorrect. Opt for phrases like "retaining control over", "retaining the ability to", or simply "retaining" followed by the object being retained.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retaining to" functions incorrectly as it attempts to link the verb "retaining" with a preposition that doesn't follow standard English grammar. Ludwig AI indicates this is not a correct construction. The intended function is typically to express the act of keeping or maintaining something, but the incorrect preposition disrupts the meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "retaining to" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in English. While it appears across various sources including news, science, encyclopedias and wikis, its usage is inconsistent with standard grammar rules. According to Ludwig AI, this is not a correct construction. It's more appropriate to use "retaining" with a direct object or a different preposition, depending on the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like "retaining control over" or "preserving access to" for better clarity and grammatical accuracy. Always aim for precise language to effectively convey your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining ownership of

Focuses specifically on keeping possession or title.

preserving access to

Highlights the act of keeping the ability to use or enter something.

keeping control over

Emphasizes maintaining authority or influence.

holding on to

Suggests a tenacious grip or unwillingness to release something.

sustaining connection to

Highlights the maintenance of a relationship or link.

securing rights to

Focuses on ensuring the continuation of legal entitlements.

continuing ties with

Implies the uninterrupted maintenance of relationships.

maintaining relevance to

Highlights the act of keeping importance or connection with a subject.

keeping affiliation with

Emphasis on preserving connection with a group or organization.

preserving links with

Highlights keeping connection or association with something.

FAQs

Is "retaining to" grammatically correct?

No, "retaining to" is not grammatically correct. The correct usage involves "retaining" followed by the object being retained, or using phrases like "retaining control over" or "retaining the ability to".

What are some alternatives to "retaining to"?

Instead of "retaining to", consider using phrases such as "maintaining ownership of", "preserving access to", or simply "retaining" followed by a noun.

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

Use "retaining" directly followed by what is being kept. For instance, "retaining control", "retaining rights", or "retaining the original design" are all grammatically sound.

What's the difference between "retaining" and "retaining to"?

"Retaining" is a verb that means to keep or continue to have something. "Retaining to" is not a standard or grammatically correct construction. Always use "retaining" with a direct object or a preposition other than "to", depending on the intended meaning.