Cool MateHold them vs Retain
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Hold them
Top 2,000 (common)
Retain
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
| Hold them | Retain | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //həʊld ðɛm//🇺🇸 //hoʊld ðɛm// | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈteɪn//🇺🇸 //rɪˈteɪn// |
| Meaning | To keep or maintain something in a certain position. | To keep or hold something. |
| Example | I need to hold them tightly to keep them safe. | It's important to retain information during exams. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | hold them together, hold them back, hold them close | retain customers, retain information, retain control, retain talent |
| Antonyms | - | lose, discard, abandon |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'hold it' for objects instead of people., Misuse in passive structures., Not realizing 'hold them' can refer to emotions or abstract ideas. | Confused with 'retain' vs 'obtain'., Using 'retain' without an object., Misusing 'retain' in informal contexts. |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts, often informal. Avoid in very formal writing. Commonly used in casual conversations. | Use 'retain' when discussing keeping information, objects, or qualities. It's more formal than 'keep'. Avoid in casual speech. |
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Frequently asked questions: Hold them vs Retain
What's the difference between Hold them and Retain?
Hold them: To keep or maintain something in a certain position. Retain: To keep or hold something.
Can you show an example of each?
Hold them: I need to hold them tightly to keep them safe. Retain: It's important to retain information during exams.
Can I use Hold them and Retain interchangeably?
Not always. Hold them and Retain are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.