we have retained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have retained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something has been kept or preserved over time, often in a formal or business context. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, we have retained the original design for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We have retained what people are familiar with.

The Guardian - Business

In addition, we have retained a sell-on clause for a percentage of any future profit".

The Guardian - Sport

"We have retained our exotic nature," he said, "and had time to learn from others' mistakes".

The New York Times - Travel

"We have retained counsel to determine what our next steps should be".

The New York Times

"And we have retained the local identity and our commitment to those communities".

The New York Times

Q. Has hedging helped your performance? A. We have retained our profits by hedging.

The New York Times

We have retained the 10-foot high ceilings where possible, exposing the wood joists".

The New York Times

"I think we have retained the magic", Richard Ormond, chair of the trustees, said.

The Guardian - Arts

"Their society may now be secular, but we have retained our allegiance to God," he said.

The New York Times

But we anticipated that, so we have retained the best [lawyers] way back before this fight began.

The Guardian

"We have retained our focus on cost savings, delivering strong cash flows and debt reduction," the company said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have retained", ensure the context clearly indicates what has been kept or preserved, and why its preservation is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "we have retained" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "we kept" or "we held onto" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have retained" functions as a declarative statement, typically used to inform or assure an audience that something has been kept or preserved. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, from business to science, to indicate maintaining possession of something tangible or intangible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have retained" is a versatile expression used to convey that something has been kept or preserved. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct and it enjoys widespread usage, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While highly versatile, it's advisable to avoid using it in informal conversations in order not to sound unnatural, opting instead for simpler alternatives like "we kept" or "we held onto". When aiming for clarity in your writing, ensure the context of the phrase clearly specifies what has been kept and why it matters. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively incorporate "we have retained" into your writing to communicate the act of preserving value or maintaining continuity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have kept

Focuses on the act of maintaining possession without necessarily implying active effort.

we have maintained

Emphasizes the continuous effort to preserve something in its current state.

we have preserved

Highlights the act of protecting something from harm or decay to keep it intact.

we have conserved

Implies careful management and preservation of resources or qualities.

we have held onto

Suggests resisting the urge or pressure to let go of something.

we have secured

Highlights the successful effort to ensure something is kept safe and protected.

we have upheld

Focuses on maintaining a principle, law, or tradition.

we have sustained

Emphasizes the ability to continue or prolong something over time.

we have safeguarded

Stresses the measures taken to protect something from potential danger or loss.

we have guarded

Implies careful protection and vigilance over something.

FAQs

What is the difference between "we have retained" and "we have kept"?

While both phrases imply maintaining possession, "we have retained" often suggests a more deliberate and conscious effort to keep something, whereas "we have kept" is a more general term.

When is it appropriate to use "we have retained" instead of "we have maintained"?

"We have retained" implies keeping something as it was, while "we have maintained" suggests keeping something in good condition. Use "we have retained" when the core characteristic or element is being preserved, and "we have maintained" when the focus is on upkeep.

What are some formal alternatives to "we have retained"?

Formal alternatives include phrases like "we have preserved", "we have conserved", or "we have upheld", depending on the specific context.

How can I use "we have retained" in a sentence?

You can use "we have retained" to indicate that something has been kept or preserved. For example, "Despite the changes, "we have retained" the core values of the company".