was retained

USAGE SUMMARY

"was retained" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something was kept or stayed in its original state. Example: Despite the changes in the company's management, the current team was retained to ensure continuity and stability.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was retained.

The New York Times

The popular name was retained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An official majority was retained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It probably was retained from Minoan religion.

Britannica

The lawyer was retained, not appointed.

The New York Times

Domenech, surprisingly, was retained as national coach.

The Guardian - Sport

Schilling was retained as a consultant.

The New Yorker

The greater hardness was retained after EJM.

Surface and Coatings Technology

A three-cluster solution was retained.

Journal of Psychiatric Research

Meta-austenite was retained after thixoforging.

Materials Characterization

He was retained as painter to George III.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was retained", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being kept or maintained, providing context for its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "was retained" with plural subjects. Instead, use "were retained" for grammatical accuracy. Remember to match the verb form to the subject's number.

Linguistic Context

"Was retained" functions as a passive voice construction. This grammatical structure allows the writer to shift the focus from the actor to the recipient of the action. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was retained" is a common passive voice construction used to express that something was kept or preserved. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. The phrase is mostly frequent in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources. To improve your writing, ensure subject-verb agreement (using "were retained" for plural subjects) and clarify what is being kept and why it is important. Consider using alternatives like "remained preserved" or "was maintained" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was maintained

Focuses on the effort to keep something in good condition.

remained preserved

Replaces 'retained' with 'preserved', highlighting the act of keeping something in its original state.

was conserved

Highlights the preservation of something for future use or value.

stayed intact

Emphasizes the unbroken or undamaged condition of something.

continued to be held

Focuses on the action of holding or keeping something over time.

kept in place

Highlights the maintenance of something's position or location.

was kept unchanged

Directly states that something did not undergo any alteration.

was upheld

Implies a decision to support and maintain something, often a standard or principle.

endured

Implies a survival aspect, suggesting the subject withstood potential loss or change.

carried on

Suggests a continuation of something, often a tradition or practice.

FAQs

How is "was retained" used in a sentence?

The phrase "was retained" indicates that something was kept or preserved. For example: "The original design "was retained" despite the updates."

What are some alternatives to using "was retained"?

Alternatives include phrases like "remained preserved", "stayed intact", or "was maintained", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "was retained" or "were retained"?

"Was retained" is used with singular subjects, while "were retained" is used with plural subjects. For example: "The document "was retained"" versus "The documents "were retained"".

What does "was retained" imply about the subject?

The phrase implies that the subject had the potential to be lost, changed, or removed but was instead kept in its original or existing condition. It emphasizes preservation or maintenance over time.