"retain boundaries" vs "retain within boundaries"

Question

"retain boundaries" vs "retain within boundaries"

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Retain within boundaries' implies keeping something inside certain limits or constraints, while 'retain boundaries' suggests maintaining the existence or definition of boundaries without specifying any containment. The choice between the two depends on the specific context and the intended meaning.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize the act of keeping boundaries intact or unchanged.

Examples:

The government's role is to retain boundaries between different branches of power.
The artist's work challenges the viewer to question and retain boundaries of perception.
It is essential to retain boundaries in personal relationships.

Alternatives:

maintain boundaries
preserve boundaries
uphold boundaries
respect boundaries
observe boundaries

This phrase is used when you want to express the idea of maintaining something within specific boundaries or limits.

Examples:

It is important to retain the project within budgetary boundaries.
The company aims to retain its operations within legal boundaries.
The artist tried to retain her creativity within the boundaries of the assignment.

Alternatives:

keep within boundaries
maintain within boundaries
preserve within boundaries
stay within boundaries
adhere to boundaries

Answer 1

retain boundaries

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate maintaining the existence or definition of boundaries without specifying any containment.

Answer 2

retain within boundaries

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate keeping something within certain limits or constraints.

"retain boundaries" vs "retain within boundaries"

retain boundaries

retain within boundaries

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