What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hold
Example
Can you hold this bag for me? [hold: verb]
Example
I will put you on hold while I transfer your call. [hold: noun]
Example
He has a strong hold on the company's finances. [hold: noun]
retain
Example
The company wants to retain its best employees. [retain: verb]
Example
She has an excellent memory and can easily retain information. [retain: verb]
Example
The medicine helps retain moisture in the skin. [retain: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hold is more common in everyday language than retain. Hold is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while retain is more specific and often used in professional or academic settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between hold and retain?
Retain is generally more formal than hold. While hold can be used in both formal and informal contexts, retain is more commonly used in professional or academic settings.
