maintain vs retain

Both 'maintain' and 'retain' are correct English words, but they are used in different contexts. 'Maintain' is commonly used to mean to keep something in a certain state or condition, while 'retain' is often used to mean to keep possession of something or to keep something in place.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1287 views

The word 'maintain' is correct and commonly used in English.

"maintain"

Use 'maintain' when you want to express the idea of keeping something in a certain state or condition, such as maintaining a garden or maintaining good health.

Examples:

He tries to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
It is important to maintain a positive attitude in difficult situations.

Show examples from the web [+]

Switch batteries to maintain flight controls.
Disable autopilot and maintain manual control.
The spirit of the above considerations is to maintain strong social cohesion, fight poverty and maintain employment.
FBI agents are trained to maintain their distance.
The Knightmare has a reputation to maintain.
We need everybody to maintain prosperity.
Someone with bipolar disorder needs to maintain balance.
Politicians advocate armament as a means to maintain peace.
Have the copter maintain visual contact.
Also helps maintain continuity within the agency.
Juliet-Mike-21... ...climb and maintain 17,000.
European ports have the responsibility to maintain high reliability and safety standards.
We require extra mobiles to maintain watch on coast road.
Repeat administration every six months to maintain efficacy.
Repeat treatment every 6 months to maintain efficacy.
Long-term daily administration is required to maintain an adequate neutrophil count.
Long-term daily administration is required to maintain an adequate neutrophil count.
Member States may adopt or maintain additional pre-contractual information requirements.
Highly developed countries are managing to maintain an almost unchanged environmental situation.
Both of you have a cover to maintain.

Alternatives:

sustain
uphold
preserve
keep
support

The word 'retain' is correct and commonly used in English.

"retain"

Use 'retain' when you want to express the idea of keeping possession of something or keeping something in place, such as retaining ownership of a property or retaining information.

Examples:

She decided to retain ownership of the family business.
The company retains the right to use the data for research purposes.

Show examples from the web [+]

We were seated to retain our sovereignty.
Member States should retain full control of their borders.
The Greek world tried to retain property in families.
Kelly Parker may well retain her title.
This allows it to retain all its nourishment.
It's for composting, which helps soil retain water and nutrients.
Let your life retain some mystery.
Individuals usually retain typical mental and motor development.
Metallic foams typically retain some physical properties of their base material.
Buildings and architecture in Beja still retain many Roman influences.
Please retain this manual for future reference.
That's how they retain authority.
They retain the right to sell outside this structure.
Appropriations under Category 1 must retain their compulsory nature.
The European Union must retain its global competitiveness.
And its core features retain the essentials.
Infrastructure managers should however retain the possibility to reserve capacity.
Milk can effectively retain youthful-looking skin.
Paints flow extremely well and retain their luminosity.
Allows hair to retain the crease longer.

Alternatives:

keep
hold on to
preserve
maintain possession of
keep in place

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

maintain vs retain

"maintain"

"retain"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text