still retained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still retained" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express that something has been maintained or kept over a period of time. For example: "The small town has still retained its old-world charm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the food still retained its power.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He was nearly 80, but he still retained this incredibly mischievous spirit".

The New York Times - Arts

At that time, the society still retained some notion of separating public and private life.

The New York Times - Books

I understand it still retained a state department, for instance, and the CIA.

The Guardian - Opinion

So I lifted out a portion for her while they still retained their bite.

The New York Times

And if the cricket still retained its intensity, it was also less high-octane.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a mouse-gnawed half Stilton, and still retained an air of massivenes and dignity.

The New Yorker

Some capsules still retained their papery cap, like the upturned beak of a bird.

The Guardian

These looked progressive, but the royal court still retained all the levers of power.

The Economist

Clearly, although no longer consul, he still retained the legal right to authority in civilian affairs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He told reporters that players still "retained all the legal options they always have had".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still retained" when you want to emphasize that something has remained in a particular state despite the passage of time or intervening circumstances. This implies a degree of resilience or persistence.

Common error

While "still retained" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in overly formal or academic writing. Consider more precise synonyms like "maintained" or "preserved" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still retained" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the continuation of a state or characteristic. Ludwig AI suggests it's grammatically sound and usable in various contexts. The auxiliary verb "still" emphasizes the enduring nature of the retention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "still retained" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies the continuation or preservation of a state or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a broad range of contexts, from news articles and scientific publications to encyclopedic entries and general writing. While it fits comfortably in both formal and informal settings, more precise synonyms may be considered in highly formal writing. The phrase emphasizes persistence and stability, effectively conveying that something has remained unchanged despite potential challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained

Focuses on active upkeep rather than inherent persistence.

preserved

Implies protecting something from decay or change.

kept

A more general term for holding onto something.

continued to have

Emphasizes the ongoing possession of something.

persisted in

Highlights the enduring nature of something despite potential challenges.

remained with

Suggests a lasting association or connection.

held onto

Indicates a deliberate effort to keep something.

carried on with

Emphasizes the continuation of an activity or characteristic.

did not lose

Focuses on the absence of loss, rather than active retention.

sustained

Implies supporting or upholding something over time.

FAQs

How can I use "still retained" in a sentence?

You can use "still retained" to indicate that something has kept or maintained a certain quality or characteristic. For example: "Even after the renovation, the building "still retained" its historical charm."

What are some alternatives to "still retained"?

Alternatives include "maintained", "preserved", or "kept". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "still retained" formal or informal?

"Still retained" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "maintained" or "preserved" for a more sophisticated tone.

What does "still retained" emphasize?

"Still retained" emphasizes that something has persisted or remained unchanged despite potential changes or challenges. It highlights the enduring nature of the quality or characteristic in question.