were retained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were retained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something was kept or preserved in a particular state or condition. Example: "The original documents were retained for future reference during the audit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other territorial subdivisions also were retained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

German law and administration were retained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Muʿtazilī doctrines were retained in their theology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the past, most appraisers were retained directly by lenders.

The New York Times

"Our drafts were retained by the security officer for shredding.

The New York Times

From that successful workshop, many actors were retained for Broadway.

The New York Times

Seventeen articles were retained.

Health Economics Review

Only six factors were retained.

International Journal of STEM Education

Only three factors were retained.

International Journal of STEM Education

All lateral shoots were retained.

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

Only the perfectly matched sRNAs were retained.

Rice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were retained" to indicate that something was deliberately kept or preserved in a specific context, especially when referring to data, elements, or conditions within a study or system.

Common error

Avoid using "was retained" when referring to plural subjects. Ensure the verb form agrees with the number of the subject; use "were retained" for plural subjects and "was retained" for singular subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were retained" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject received the action of being kept or preserved. This construction is commonly used to describe the state of certain elements or conditions after a process. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts, such as scientific studies and historical accounts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

11%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were retained" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to indicate that something was kept or preserved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic content. When using this phrase, ensure correct subject-verb agreement and consider semantically similar alternatives like "were kept" or "were maintained" to add nuance. Pay attention to the register, as the phrase can be adapted for formal, scientific, or neutral tones depending on the context. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can effectively incorporate "were retained" into their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were kept

Focuses on the act of maintaining possession or condition.

were preserved

Emphasizes maintaining something in its original state.

were maintained

Highlights the continuation of a certain state or condition.

were held

Suggests a temporary keeping or possession.

were conserved

Implies careful preservation and avoidance of waste.

were upheld

Indicates the act of supporting or defending something.

were sustained

Focuses on providing support to continue something.

were continued

Stresses the uninterrupted progression of something.

were secured

Emphasizes the protection and safety of something.

were safeguarded

Highlights the protection from harm or damage.

FAQs

How can I use "were retained" in a sentence?

You can use "were retained" to indicate that certain items, aspects, or characteristics were kept or preserved. For example, "The original features of the building "were retained" during the renovation."

What are some alternatives to "were retained"?

Alternatives include "were kept", "were preserved", or "were maintained". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was retained" instead of "were retained"?

The correct form depends on the subject's number. Use "was retained" for singular subjects (e.g., "The document was retained") and "were retained" for plural subjects (e.g., "The documents "were retained"").

What's the difference between "were retained" and "were retrieved"?

"Were retained" means something was kept and not discarded, while "were retrieved" implies something was recovered or brought back from storage. For example, "The files "were retained" for future reference", versus "The data "were retrieved" from the archive".