retraction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "retraction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of withdrawing or taking back a statement or claim, often in a formal context such as publishing or legal matters. Example: "The author issued a retraction of the previous statement after realizing it contained inaccuracies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In "Naming the Colours" he partially retracts the retraction, and says that t is indeterminate if the different values of x are sufficiently similar, and lacks a denotation otherwise.

SEP

The internet is ideal for this, so much more effective than belatedly securing an insincere retraction at the bottom of page 16.

The Guardian

This item was amended on 23 April to reflect Brett Ratner's retraction of his statement on James Packer's citizenship After a two-and-a-half-year legal battle the Australian Media and Communications Authority has released its report into 2Day FM's royal prank call.

The Guardian

But on Thursday Ratner's spokesperson issued a retraction, saying he had got the information wrong, the Australian Financial Review reported.

The Guardian

The retraction is a setback for the Chicago-based company, which has already had rejections for three offers for Shire, which is registered in Jersey and headquartered in Dublin.

The Guardian - Business

John Hudson of the Atlantic Wire points to the attempted retraction of Tanden, now the president of the Center for American Progress: — Neera Tanden (@neeratanden) October 16, 2012 I was trying to say how President Obama, who I admire greatly, is a private person, but I deeply regret how I said it.

The Guardian

Hadid is seeking damages, a halt to the review's continued publication and a retraction.

The Guardian - Arts

Fox later issued a report, billed as a retraction, saying that "there was no formal designation of these zones".

The Guardian

Zencey's retraction begins: "Seven score and ten years ago, the forefathers of this media institution brought forth to its audience a judgment so flawed, so tainted by hubris, so lacking in the perspective history would bring, that it cannot remain unaddressed in our archives".

The Guardian

As celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address begin around the US, a Pennsylvania newspaper has issued a retraction of its predecessor's criticism of Abraham Lincoln's speech.

The Guardian

Matthew Zencey, the Patriot-News's deputy opinion editor, wrote the retraction, which will be included in Sunday's print edition of the paper.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "retraction" in formal writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being withdrawn or taken back. Specify the original statement or claim and the reason for the retraction.

Common error

Avoid using "retraction" when a simple correction is sufficient. A "retraction" implies a significant error that invalidates the original statement, whereas a "correction" addresses minor inaccuracies or omissions.

Linguistic Context

The noun "retraction" primarily functions to denote the act of withdrawing a statement, claim, or commitment. Ludwig AI examples show it commonly used in formal contexts to describe the formal withdrawal of published information or public statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "retraction" is used to describe formally withdrawing a statement or claim. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, it's crucial to distinguish between a "retraction" and a simple "correction", reserving "retraction" for significant errors. Related terms include "withdrawal", "revocation", and "recantation", each carrying a slightly different nuance. Using "retraction" effectively enhances clarity and credibility in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdrawal

Focuses on the act of taking something back, similar to retraction but more general.

retracting statement

Explicitly states the act of taking back a statement.

revocation

Implies a formal cancellation or annulment, often of a law or permit.

recantation

Specifically refers to a formal withdrawal or disavowal of a previously held belief or statement.

reversal

Suggests a complete change of direction or policy.

nullification

Indicates making something legally void or ineffective.

cancellation

Implies stopping something that was planned or agreed upon.

invalidation

Means proving something is not valid or correct.

rescission

A formal term for the cancellation of a contract or agreement.

abrogation

Implies the formal repeal or abolition of a law or agreement.

FAQs

How is "retraction" typically used in a sentence?

The word "retraction" is often used to describe the act of withdrawing a statement or claim, especially in formal or public contexts. For example, "The journal issued a "retraction" of the flawed study."

What are some alternatives to the word "retraction"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "withdrawal", "revocation", or "recantation". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to issue a "retraction"?

A "retraction" is appropriate when a published statement or claim is found to be significantly flawed or invalid, often due to errors, fraud, or new evidence. It's more serious than a simple correction.

What's the difference between "retraction" and "correction"?

"Retraction" signifies a complete withdrawal of a statement due to fundamental flaws, whereas "correction" indicates fixing minor errors or inaccuracies without invalidating the overall claim.