a clean record

USAGE SUMMARY

'a clean record' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to mean that someone has done something without any issues or problems. For example, "The athlete was proud to have a clean record in her sport for the entire season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has a clean record.

The New York Times

"I have a clean record.

The Guardian - Sport

Until then, he'd had a clean record.

The New York Times

"These guys have a clean record.

The New York Times

Players with a clean record will get some leeway.

The New York Times - Sports

By regulatory standards, he had a clean record in Europe.

The New York Times

I'm a careful driver at home with a clean record.

The New York Times

Mr. Rooney added that Mr. Williams had a clean record as a bus driver.

The New York Times

She plans to start college this fall, with a clean record.

Stanford University

"I am a family guy with a clean record," he said.

The New York Times

"But having written them off, DoCoMo should go forward with a clean record".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing trustworthiness or reliability, use "a clean record" to highlight the absence of past issues. For example, "The company hired him because he had a clean record and a strong work ethic."

Common error

Avoid using "a clean record" when describing something that inherently cannot have a 'record', such as an object or abstract concept. It's best applied to people, organizations, or processes where past behavior is tracked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clean record" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It describes the state of having no negative history, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clean record" is a common phrase used to describe the absence of negative history, often related to a person's criminal, driving, or employment background. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, though its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, conveying trustworthiness and reliability, and alternatives like "unblemished history" or "spotless reputation" can be used for variety. When using this phrase, ensure it's applied to contexts where a 'record' can exist and avoid overusing it when simpler terms would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faultless record

A direct synonym, emphasizing that there are no faults or errors in the record.

unblemished history

Replaces "record" with "history" and uses "unblemished" to emphasize the absence of any negative marks.

spotless reputation

Substitutes "record" with "reputation" and "clean" with "spotless" to highlight a faultless public image.

pristine background

Employs "pristine" to suggest an original, untouched state, focusing on the individual's past.

impeccable credentials

Highlights formal qualifications and achievements, suggesting thorough competence and reliability.

flawless performance history

Focuses on past actions, emphasizing a lack of errors or negative incidents over a period of time.

perfect track record

Uses "track record" to describe past achievements, with "perfect" reinforcing the absence of failures.

exemplary conduct

Refers to behavior and actions, portraying outstanding and commendable behavior.

untainted reputation

Implies that the reputation has not been damaged or corrupted by any negative events.

irreproachable behavior

Suggests that conduct is beyond criticism or blame.

FAQs

How can I use "a clean record" in a sentence?

You can use "a clean record" to describe someone or something that has no history of problems or wrongdoings. For example, "The applicant was hired because they had "a clean record"."

What is an alternative to saying "a clean record"?

Alternatives to "a clean record" include phrases such as "unblemished history", "spotless reputation", or "pristine background".

What does it mean to have "a clean record"?

Having "a clean record" means that someone has no prior history of negative incidents, such as criminal convictions, disciplinary actions, or other forms of misconduct. It suggests trustworthiness and reliability.

Is it better to say "clean record" or "good record"?

While both phrases are acceptable, ""a clean record"" usually implies the absence of negative marks, whereas "good record" can indicate positive achievements or contributions. The best choice depends on the specific context.