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 car even if I move to another state. [retain: verb]
Example
It's important to retain the information you learn in school for future use. [retain: verb]
Example
The recipe has been modified, but it still retains its original flavor. [retains: present tense]
save
Example
I need to save some money for my vacation next month. [save: verb]
Example
The computer automatically saves your work every few minutes. [saves: present tense]
Example
The lifeguard saved the drowning swimmer from the pool. [saved: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Save is more commonly used than retain in everyday language. Save is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, including money, resources, and people. On the other hand, retain is less common and is typically used in more specific contexts, such as academic or legal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between retain and save?
Retain is generally considered more formal than save. It is often used in academic or legal writing, while save can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
