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 business. [retain: verb]
Example
It's hard to retain all the information from the lecture. [retain: verb]
Example
The company needs to retain its competitive edge. [retain: verb]
preserve
Example
We need to preserve this historic building for future generations. [preserve: verb]
Example
The museum works hard to preserve ancient artifacts. [preserve: verb]
Example
It's important to preserve our natural habitats. [preserve: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retain is more commonly used in business or legal contexts, while preserve is more commonly used in environmental or cultural contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retain and preserve?
Both retain and preserve can be used in formal contexts, but retain is more commonly used in legal or business settings, while preserve is more commonly used in environmental or cultural contexts.
