retains him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retains him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is keeping or holding onto another person, often in a professional or contractual sense. Example: "The company retains him as a consultant due to his expertise in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Urgently, she retains him as her marriage consultant.

The New York Times

It may be that Jones retains him as squad captain but has little option other than to start someone else against the French.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Retaining him became their priority.

The New York Times - Sports

Could he have retained him?

Independent

The Rangers ultimately decided to retain him.

The New York Times - Sports

"You have to retain him.

The New York Times

Howe retained him on Piniella's recommendation.

The New York Times - Sports

Team ownership was also supportive in retaining him.

The New York Times - Sports

"Every effort on earth will be made to retain him".

The New York Times - Sports

The Atlanta Hawks quickly matched the offer and retained him.

The New York Times - Sports

In other words, McLaren hold an option on retaining him.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retains him", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for keeping the person, whether it's for their expertise, skills, or a contractual obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "retains him" in casual conversation; it is more appropriate for formal or professional settings. Simpler alternatives like "keeps him" or "holds onto him" are better suited for informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "retains him" functions as a verb phrase where "retains" is the verb indicating the action of keeping or holding onto someone, and "him" is the direct object, the person being kept. Ludwig examples showcase this usage in professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "retains him" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to indicate that someone is being kept or held onto, often in a professional or contractual context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, particularly in news and media, although it might sound slightly out of place in casual conversation where simpler alternatives like "keeps him" might be preferable. While not exceptionally common, it's a valuable phrase to understand and use when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeps him

Direct synonym, emphasizing the act of maintaining possession or control.

holds onto him

Implies a more tenacious grip, emphasizing reluctance to let go.

continues to use him

Directly states the ongoing utilization of someone's abilities.

maintains his services

Focuses on continuing to utilize someone's skills or expertise.

keeps him on staff

Refers to maintaining someone's employment within an organization.

employs him still

Highlights the continuation of an employment relationship.

does not dismiss him

Highlights the decision to avoid termination of the employment or engagement of someone.

preserves his position

Emphasizes the act of ensuring someone's role remains unchanged.

refrains from firing him

Focuses on the act of making the decision of not letting someone go from the company.

secures his commitment

Highlights the act of making sure that someone stays committed.

FAQs

How can I use "retains him" in a sentence?

You can use "retains him" in sentences like "The company "retains him" as a consultant" or "The team "retains him" as their captain".

What are some alternatives to "retains him"?

Alternatives to "retains him" include "keeps him", "holds onto him", or "maintains his services". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "retains him"?

"Retains him" is appropriate in formal or professional contexts when discussing employment, contracts, or professional relationships. It is less suitable for casual conversation.

What does "retains him" imply?

"Retains him" implies that a person or entity is keeping someone, often in a professional capacity, due to their value, skills, or a binding agreement.