to be retained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be retained" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that a certain order or status should remain as it is. For example, "The existing policies are to be retained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Public sector pay limits are to be retained.

The Guardian

All the jobs are to be retained, apparently.

The Guardian - Opinion

But where is that risk to be retained?

The New York Times

Walsh said that he expected everyone to be retained.

The New York Times - Sports

That allows material relating to security and other areas to be retained.

The Guardian

Many parents and employers had called for English to be retained as the language of instruction.

The New York Times

"Fame has to be retained; otherwise it's even worse than being famous," he told me.

The New Yorker

"It is iconic in terms of Blackpool and, yes, it does need to be retained.

The Guardian

Mourinho has said regularly this season that he wants the trio to be retained.

The Guardian - Sport

She added that Plaid Cymru wanted the SDC to be retained in Wales.

The Guardian

More recent press reports have said it is to be retained, but radically stripped down.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be retained", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being kept or preserved and why it is important. For instance, "The original design specifications are to be retained to ensure consistency".

Common error

Avoid using "to be retained" when the intention is to improve or modify something. "Retained" implies keeping something as it is, not changing it. For example, don't say "The outdated system is to be retained with improvements" if you mean the system will be replaced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be retained" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates that something is intended or required to be kept in its current state, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be retained" is a grammatically sound and commonly used infinitive phrase that expresses the need or intention for something to remain in its current state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English across diverse contexts. Its frequency is high in news, scientific writing, and formal business communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being kept and why. Alternatives like "to be preserved" or "to be maintained" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be preserved

Emphasizes maintaining something in its original condition, often with historical or cultural significance.

to be maintained

Focuses on the ongoing effort required to keep something in good working order or in a specific state.

to be kept

A more general term indicating that something is not discarded or removed.

to be conserved

Highlights the careful use and protection of resources to prevent depletion.

to be upheld

Implies supporting or defending something, often a principle or law, to ensure its continuation.

to be sustained

Suggests the ability to continue or prolong something over time.

to be prolonged

Focuses on extending the duration of something.

to be continued

Indicates an uninterrupted sequence or progression.

to be perpetuated

Emphasizes the act of causing something to continue indefinitely.

to be safeguarded

Highlights the measures taken to protect something from harm or loss.

FAQs

How can I use "to be retained" in a sentence?

The phrase "to be retained" indicates that something should be kept or preserved in its current state. For example, "The original data must "to be retained" for auditing purposes."

What's a good alternative to "to be retained"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to be preserved", "to be maintained", or "to be kept".

Is it correct to say "will be retained" instead of "to be retained"?

Yes, "will be retained" is grammatically correct. "To be retained" expresses an intention or requirement, while "will be retained" expresses a future action or certainty. They have slightly different nuances.

What is the difference between "to be retained" and "to be preserved"?

While both phrases imply keeping something, "to be preserved" often suggests maintaining something in its original condition, usually with historical or cultural value, whereas "to be retained" is more general and can apply to anything that needs to be kept for any reason.