Used and loved by millions
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
retention to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "retention to" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be a misphrasing, as "retention" typically pairs with "of" or "in" rather than "to." Example: "The retention of information is crucial for effective learning."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
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
59 human-written examples
"Don't expect acquisition and retention to grow faster than margins," he said.
News & Media
The effect of Dripa is to use bulk data retention to create a dossier on every person in the UK.
News & Media
The tone of the meeting was polite, ranging over numerous technical policies, from EU data retention to wildlife trafficking.
News & Media
"It is our hope that this moment of enlightenment might stir some into adopting best practices in recruitment, appointment and retention to achieve equality and diversity outcomes.
News & Media
Microsoft has offered to lower its retention to six months if competitors use its methodology, which competitors have not volunteered to do.
News & Media
In fact, Siddall expects staff retention to be a bigger challenge than ever.
News & Media
Green roofs provide a range of ecosystem services, from stormwater retention to thermal insulation.
Science
One of the key acceptance criteria is coating retention to the physical stresses experienced during implantation.
With adding some water to the oil we were able to improve the retention to ∼97%.
Science
Similarly Fe+3 doping (x = 0.05) also improves the capacity retention to 90%.
Science
Addition of copper further enhances the capacity retention to 91.2% after 80 cycles.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Always use "retention of" or "retention in" instead of "retention to" to ensure grammatical correctness. For example, prefer "the retention of data" or "retention in the study".
Common error
Avoid using "retention to" as it is grammatically incorrect. Double-check your preposition choice after "retention" to ensure it aligns with standard English usage. Always opt for "retention of" or "retention in".
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "retention to" functions as part of a prepositional phrase, but it's grammatically flawed. While the intention is to show a relationship between retention and another element, the incorrect preposition undermines clarity. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not correct.
Frequent in
Science
39%
News & Media
57%
Formal & Business
4%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "retention to" appears frequently in various contexts, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The correct forms are "retention of" or "retention in", depending on the intended meaning. While the phrase is common, especially in News & Media and Science, it's crucial to use the grammatically correct alternatives to maintain clarity and credibility. Therefore, always proofread and replace "retention to" with the appropriate prepositional phrase to ensure accurate and effective communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
retention of
Corrects the grammatical error by using the correct preposition "of" after "retention".
retention in
Corrects the grammatical error by using the preposition "in" to specify where something is retained.
retention within
Specifies that something is retained inside a defined boundary or group.
adherence to
Focuses on the act of sticking to something, similar to retaining a commitment.
maintenance of
Emphasizes the upkeep and preservation aspect of retention.
preservation of
Highlights keeping something safe or intact over time.
commitment to
Shifts the focus to dedication and continued engagement.
maintaining
Emphasizes continuous effort to preserve something.
sustaining
A more concise option that focuses on the act of supporting or maintaining something.
keeping
A simpler, more direct way of saying "retention", focusing on the act of holding onto something.
FAQs
What is the correct way to use the word "retention"?
The word "retention" is typically followed by the prepositions "of" or "in", depending on the context. For example, "retention of information" or "retention in care".
What can I say instead of "retention to"?
Instead of "retention to", you can use alternatives like "retention of" or "retention in", depending on the context. Other alternatives include "maintenance of" or "preservation of".
Is "retention to" grammatically correct?
No, "retention to" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct usage is "retention of" or "retention in".
What's the difference between "retention of" and "retention in"?
"Retention of" generally refers to the act of keeping or holding something. "Retention in" refers to keeping something within a specific place or context, like "retention in a program".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested