What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
retain
Example
I want to retain ownership of my company. [retain: verb]
Example
The recipe helps retain the natural flavor of the ingredients. [retain: verb]
Example
It's important to retain the information you learn in school. [retain: verb]
maintain
Example
I need to maintain my car regularly to keep it running smoothly. [maintain: verb]
Example
It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent illness. [maintain: verb]
Example
He maintained his innocence throughout the trial. [maintained: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Maintain is more commonly used than retain in everyday language. Maintain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while retain is less common and refers to specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between retain and maintain?
Retain is typically associated with a formal tone, especially in legal or business contexts. Maintain is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
