we retain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we retain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of keeping or holding onto something, such as information, rights, or resources. Example: "In accordance with our policy, we retain all customer data for a period of five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We retain sell.

The Guardian - Business

We retain it".

The New York Times - Sports

We retain a buy stance.

The Guardian - Business

We retain a neutral rating.

The Guardian - Business

We retain a sell stance.

The Guardian - Business

We retain our buy recommendation.

The Guardian - Business

We retain our hold recommendation.

The Guardian - Business

We retain a hold recommendation.

The Guardian - Business

We retain printouts of it.

Cornell University

We retain our price target of £10.83.

The Guardian - Business

We retain our positive view and buy recommendation.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we retain" when you want to emphasize the act of consciously keeping or maintaining something, whether it's a policy, a right, or an object.

Common error

Avoid using "retain" in very informal conversation; simpler words like "keep" or "hold onto" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we retain" typically functions as a declarative statement, indicating the act of keeping, holding, or maintaining something. Examples from Ludwig show it used to express retaining rights, recommendations, commitments, and ownership.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we retain" is a versatile expression used to indicate the act of keeping or maintaining something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While "we retain" can be used interchangeably with alternatives like "we keep" or "we maintain", it is generally perceived as more formal. When writing, remember that "we retain" is a strong and direct way to assure your audience that something is being deliberately held or maintained.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we maintain

Emphasizes the act of keeping something in good condition or continuing a practice.

we keep

A simpler, more direct synonym for retaining possession.

we hold

Similar to retain, but can also imply a formal or legal holding.

we preserve

Focuses on protecting something from harm or change, keeping it in its original state.

we uphold

Implies supporting or defending a principle, law, or decision.

we continue to

Highlights the ongoing nature of an action or state.

we stick with

Suggests loyalty or adherence to a particular choice or plan.

we stand by

Emphasizes commitment and support for something.

we possess

Highlights ownership or control over something.

we hang on to

Informal way of saying we keep something, often implying it's valuable or important.

FAQs

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

You can use "we retain" to indicate that you are keeping something. For example, "We retain the right to modify these terms at any time" or "We retain all customer data for a period of five years".

What can I say instead of "we retain"?

Alternatives to "we retain" include phrases like "we keep", "we maintain", or "we hold", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "we retain" instead of "we keep"?

Yes, "we retain" is generally more formal than "we keep". The choice between the two depends on the tone and audience of your writing. "We retain" is often used in legal, business, or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "we retain" and "we preserve"?

"We retain" suggests simply keeping something, while "we preserve" implies protecting something from damage or decay. For example, you might retain a copy of a document, but preserve historical artifacts.