was retained from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was retained from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something has been kept or preserved from a previous source or context. Example: "The information was retained from the original report to ensure accuracy in the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Mike Pelino was retained from Renney's staff, but he will take over a scouting role.

The New York Times - Sports

It was probably as well, considering only the goalkeeper David De Gea was retained from the XI who started Sunday's draw at Sunderland.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, the Eagles will return eight starters and will not face significant scheme changes because the coordinator Frank Spaziani was retained from O'Brien's staff.

The New York Times - Sports

His assistants will be Mike Pelino, who was retained from Renney's staff, and Jim Schoenfeld, currently the Rangers' assistant general manager.

The New York Times - Sports

(North's Russian heritage was retained from the Joyce books, unlike his big-eared, small-statured toy-making companions, who provide comic relief).

The New York Times

Their uniforms pay homage to the gas station that used to inhabit this space; a garage door was retained from the old days.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Only the wing Max Evans, the prop Allan Jacobsen, Sean Lamont and Kelly Brown are retained from the opening game.

The Guardian - Sport

Only Van der Sar and Antonio Valencia were retained from the starting line-up in Germany.

The Guardian - Sport

The assistant coaches Randy Hillier and Joe Mullen will be retained from the former coach Rick Kehoe's staff.

The New York Times - Sports

Twelve numbers have been retained from the original score; eight or perhaps 10 appear to be new, whatever new means.

The New York Times

Details in Hullett House, like floor boards and door frames, have been retained from the original structure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was retained from" to clearly indicate that a specific element, feature, or characteristic has been deliberately kept or preserved from an earlier version, source, or state. This phrase emphasizes continuity and intentional preservation.

Common error

Avoid using "was retained from" when you simply mean something "was obtained from". "Retained" implies a previous possession or state from which something is kept, whereas "obtained" simply means acquired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was retained from" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something was kept or preserved from a prior source, version, or state. This passive form is commonly used to emphasize the element being retained rather than the agent doing the retaining. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was retained from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that indicates the deliberate preservation of something from a previous state or source. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various domains. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase appears most commonly in scientific, news, and wiki contexts, emphasizing its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately conveys the intentional act of keeping something from a prior version or state to avoid confusion with similar phrases like "was obtained from". Its prevalence makes it a valuable asset in your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was preserved from

Emphasizes the act of keeping something safe from harm or decay.

was kept from

A more general term for maintaining possession or condition.

was maintained from

Highlights the continuous upkeep or preservation of something.

was conserved from

Suggests careful management and preservation of resources.

was carried over from

Indicates the transfer of something from one context to another.

was inherited from

Implies that something was received or passed down from a predecessor.

was derived from

Focuses on the origin or source from which something is obtained.

was adopted from

Suggests a deliberate choice to take something from another source and make it one's own.

was taken from

A more direct way of saying something was obtained from a source.

was sourced from

Emphasizes the origin or supplier of something.

FAQs

How can I use "was retained from" in a sentence?

Use "was retained from" to show that something has been kept or preserved from a previous source or state. For instance, "The original design element was retained from the initial concept" indicates that the element existed previously and was deliberately kept.

What are some alternatives to "was retained from"?

You can use phrases like "was preserved from", "was kept from", or "was maintained from" as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of keeping something from a previous state.

Is it correct to say "was retained by" instead of "was retained from"?

The phrases have different meanings. "Was retained by" indicates who or what kept something, whereas "was retained from" indicates the original source or state from which something was kept. For example, "The document was retained by the archive" vs. "The style was retained from an older design".

What's the difference between "was retained from" and "was adopted from"?

"Was retained from" suggests something was deliberately kept from a previous state or source, implying continuity. "Was adopted from" suggests that something was taken from another source and made one's own; it implies a choice to incorporate something new from an external origin.