to retain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to retain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of keeping or holding onto something, such as information, employees, or customers. Example: "The company implemented new strategies to retain its top talent and reduce turnover rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He resolved to retain control of Facebook.

The New York Times - Tech

England deserve to retain the Ashes.

Independent

Washington is likely to retain his cool.

The New York Times - Sports

Both are fighting to retain their perch.

The Economist

He is expected to retain that post.

The New York Times

But it has struggled to retain them.

The Economist

The Rangers ultimately decided to retain him.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Campello wants to retain that title.

The Economist

Mothers seemed to retain the key messages.

The New Yorker

It is likely to retain that distinction.

The Economist

He was trying to retain it all.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. While "to keep" is a general synonym, "to retain" often implies a conscious effort to maintain something of value, like customer loyalty or a competitive advantage.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "to retain" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to keep" or "to hold on to" when writing informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to retain" functions primarily as an infinitive, often used to express purpose or intention. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase. It typically appears within a larger sentence structure to indicate the reason for an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to retain" is a versatile and grammatically correct infinitive used to express the intent of keeping or maintaining something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business writing. While "to keep" offers a simpler alternative, "to retain" adds a nuance of conscious effort and value. Remember to consider the level of formality when using this phrase and choose alternatives like "to hold onto" for more casual settings. By understanding the appropriate context and related phrases, you can effectively utilize "to retain" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to keep

This is a more general and informal way of saying "to retain".

to maintain

Suggests an effort to preserve something in its current state.

to hold onto

This implies a firm grip, either literal or figurative, on something.

to preserve

Highlights the act of protecting something from harm or change.

to conserve

Focuses on using resources carefully to avoid depletion.

to hang on to

A more colloquial version of "to hold onto".

to safeguard

Emphasizes the protection aspect of keeping something.

to secure

Implies making something safe and ensuring it remains in your possession.

to not lose

This focuses on the avoidance of losing possession.

to save

Focuses on putting something aside for the future, implying a desire not to use or spend it.

FAQs

How can I use "to retain" in a sentence?

The phrase "to retain" is used to describe keeping something. For instance, "The company implemented new strategies "to retain" its top talent" or "The dam was built "to retain" water during the rainy season".

What are some alternatives to "to retain"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to keep", "to maintain", "to hold onto", or "to preserve".

Is it better to use "to keep" or "to retain"?

Both "to keep" and "to retain" can be used, but "to retain" often suggests a deliberate effort to maintain or hold onto something, while "to keep" is more general.

What is the difference between "to maintain" and "to retain"?

"To maintain" implies preserving something in its current condition, while "to retain" means continuing to possess or hold something. For example, you maintain equipment with regular service but retain customers with good service.