When it comes to discussing the longevity of something, the words “retain” and “sustain” are often used interchangeably. However, it’s important to understand the nuances between the two and when to use each one correctly.
Retain refers to the act of keeping something that already exists, while sustain refers to the act of maintaining or supporting something over time. In other words, to retain something is to hold onto it, while to sustain something is to keep it going.
Throughout this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and when it’s appropriate to use each one. Whether you’re a writer looking to improve your vocabulary or simply someone interested in language, understanding the distinctions between retain and sustain can be valuable knowledge.
Define Retain
Retain is a verb that means to keep possession or use of something. It implies the act of holding onto something that has already been acquired or obtained. In business, retain is often used in the context of customer retention, which refers to the ability of a company to keep its existing customers loyal to its brand, products, or services.
Define Sustain
Sustain is a verb that means to maintain or support something over time. It implies the act of keeping something going or preventing it from falling apart or failing. In business, sustain is often used in the context of sustainability, which refers to the ability of a company to operate in a way that is environmentally, socially, and economically responsible, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word can make a significant difference in the meaning of a sentence. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “retain” and “sustain” correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “Retain” In A Sentence
The word “retain” means to keep or maintain something. It is often used in the context of keeping possession of something or keeping something in its original state. Here are a few examples:
- She was able to retain her title as the champion for three consecutive years.
- The company decided to retain its current employees despite the economic downturn.
- The painting has retained its vibrant colors despite being over 100 years old.
As you can see, “retain” is used to indicate the act of keeping something or someone in a particular state or position.
How To Use “Sustain” In A Sentence
The word “sustain” means to support or keep something going. It is often used in the context of maintaining a particular level or standard or providing the necessary resources to keep something operational. Here are a few examples:
- The company needs to sustain its growth to remain competitive.
- The athlete needs to sustain his performance throughout the entire game.
- The government is working to sustain the country’s natural resources for future generations.
As you can see, “sustain” is used to indicate the act of providing support or resources to keep something going.
By using “retain” and “sustain” correctly in your writing, you can convey your message more clearly and effectively.
More Examples Of Retain & Sustain Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between the words “retain” and “sustain”, it can be helpful to see them used in context. Below are examples of both words used in sentences.
Examples Of Using “Retain” In A Sentence
- It is important to retain customers in order to maintain a stable revenue stream.
- The company was able to retain its top talent by offering competitive salaries and benefits.
- The athlete worked hard to retain his title as champion.
- She was able to retain her composure despite the difficult situation.
- The organization’s goal is to retain its position as a leader in the industry.
- The company implemented a new strategy to retain customers who were considering switching to a competitor.
- The lawyer advised his client to retain all documentation related to the case.
- The teacher emphasized the importance of retaining information in long-term memory.
- The artist used a special varnish to retain the vibrancy of the colors in her painting.
- The team was able to retain possession of the ball for the majority of the game.
Examples Of Using “Sustain” In A Sentence
- The company implemented sustainable practices to reduce its carbon footprint.
- The athlete sustained a serious injury during the game.
- The organization’s goal is to sustain its growth over the next several years.
- The community rallied together to sustain the local economy during a difficult time.
- The company’s profits were sustained by a strong marketing campaign.
- The building was not able to sustain the force of the earthquake and collapsed.
- The farmer used sustainable agriculture practices to protect the soil and maintain crop yields.
- The musician sustained a note on the guitar for an impressive length of time.
- The company’s reputation was sustained by consistently providing quality products and services.
- The athlete sustained a high level of performance throughout the entire season.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “retain” and “sustain,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
Common Mistakes
- Using “retain” when “sustain” is the correct word to use
- Using “sustain” when “retain” is the correct word to use
- Assuming that “retain” and “sustain” mean the same thing
It’s important to understand the differences between these two words to avoid making these common mistakes.
Explanation Of Mistakes
The word “retain” means to keep or hold onto something that you already have. For example, you might retain a lawyer to represent you in a legal matter. On the other hand, the word “sustain” means to support or keep something going. For example, you might sustain a business by investing in it.
Using “retain” when “sustain” is the correct word to use can lead to confusion, as it implies that you are trying to keep something that is already in motion. For example, if you say that you are trying to retain a business, it might be interpreted as meaning that you are trying to keep it from going bankrupt, when what you really mean is that you are trying to sustain it by investing in it.
Similarly, using “sustain” when “retain” is the correct word to use can also lead to confusion. For example, if you say that you are trying to sustain a lawyer, it might be interpreted as meaning that you are trying to support them financially, when what you really mean is that you are trying to keep them as your legal representative.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid making these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the differences between “retain” and “sustain.” Here are some tips:
- Use “retain” when you want to keep something that you already have
- Use “sustain” when you want to support or keep something going
- Think about the context of the sentence to determine which word is appropriate
- Consider using a thesaurus to find alternative words if you’re not sure which word to use
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “retain” and “sustain,” context is key. The appropriate word choice can depend on the situation in which it is being used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “retain” and “sustain” might change:
Business
- In a business context, “retain” might be used when referring to retaining customers or employees. For example, a company might implement a customer loyalty program to retain their customers.
- “Sustain,” on the other hand, might be used when referring to sustaining the growth or success of a business. For example, a company might implement sustainable business practices to sustain their success in the long term.
Environment
- In an environmental context, “retain” might be used when referring to retaining biodiversity or natural resources. For example, a conservation organization might work to retain the natural habitats of endangered species.
- “Sustain” might be used when referring to sustaining the health of the planet as a whole. For example, individuals might make sustainable lifestyle choices to sustain the health of the environment.
Personal Development
- In a personal development context, “retain” might be used when referring to retaining knowledge or skills. For example, a student might use study techniques to retain information for an upcoming exam.
- “Sustain” might be used when referring to sustaining personal growth or well-being. For example, an individual might practice sustainable self-care habits to sustain their mental and emotional health.
As these examples illustrate, the choice between “retain” and “sustain” can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the nuances of each word and choose the one that best fits the situation at hand.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the general rules for using the terms “retain” and “sustain” are fairly straightforward, there are some exceptions to consider. Here are a few cases where the rules may not apply:
1. Legal Terminology
In legal terminology, “retain” and “sustain” can have specific meanings that differ from their general usage. For example, in a legal context, “retain” may refer to the act of keeping a lawyer’s services, while “sustain” may refer to a judge’s decision to uphold an objection during a trial.
2. Sustainable Development
When discussing sustainable development, “sustain” is often the more appropriate term to use. This is because sustainable development is focused on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In this context, “sustain” emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social progress.
3. Retention In Biology
In biology, “retain” is often used to describe the process of keeping or maintaining something within a cell or organism. For example, a cell may retain certain proteins or nutrients to support its function. In this context, “retain” emphasizes the importance of preserving specific elements within a biological system.
4. Sustained Attention In Psychology
In psychology, “sustain” is often used to describe the ability to maintain attention over an extended period of time. For example, sustained attention is necessary for tasks that require prolonged focus, such as studying or driving. In this context, “sustain” emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent level of attention and focus.
5. Exceptions In Colloquial Speech
Finally, it’s worth noting that in colloquial speech, the rules for using “retain” and “sustain” may not always apply. For example, someone might say “I need to retain my energy for the concert tonight” instead of “sustain my energy.” While this usage may not be technically correct, it’s still important to be aware of how these terms are used in everyday language.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of retain and sustain can be challenging, but with practice exercises, it can become easier. Here are some exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| The company wants to ________ its employees. | retain |
| The company needs to ________ its profits. | sustain |
| We need to ________ our focus on the project. | sustain |
| The company has been able to ________ its market share. | sustain |
| The company has decided to ________ its current customers. | retain |
Explanation: In this exercise, you are given sentences with blanks, and you need to fill in the blanks with either retain or sustain. The answer key is provided above.
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- The company needs to ________ its profits.
- retain
- sustain
- both
- neither
- The company wants to ________ its employees.
- retain
- sustain
- both
- neither
- We need to ________ our focus on the project.
- retain
- sustain
- both
- neither
Explanation: In this exercise, you need to choose the correct word to complete the sentence. The answer key is provided above.
Exercise 3: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using either retain or sustain.
- _____________ your focus on the task at hand.
- The company needs to _____________ its market share.
- _____________ your employees by offering competitive benefits.
Explanation: In this exercise, you need to write a sentence using either retain or sustain. The answer key is not provided as the sentences can vary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between “retain” and “sustain” is significant and should not be overlooked. While both words relate to the idea of preserving or maintaining something, they have distinct meanings that can impact the clarity and accuracy of your writing.
Key Takeaways
- Retain means to keep something in one’s possession or memory, while sustain means to maintain something at a certain level or rate.
- Retain is often used in the context of holding onto physical objects or information, while sustain is used to describe actions or processes.
- Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misinterpretation of your intended meaning.
By understanding the nuances of these two words, you can improve the precision and effectiveness of your writing. It is important to carefully consider the context and intended meaning of your words to ensure that you are using the most appropriate term.
Continuing Your Learning
As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn and explore. By continuing to expand your knowledge and understanding of the English language, you can improve your writing and communication skills. Consider exploring resources such as:
- Grammar books and style guides
- Online writing communities and forums
- Writing workshops and classes
- Professional editing and proofreading services
By taking an active approach to learning and improving your writing, you can enhance your ability to communicate effectively and clearly in any context.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.