a prison record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prison record" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an official document that details a person's criminal history, specifically related to incarceration. Example: "Having a prison record can significantly impact a person's ability to find employment after serving their sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

About half of ex-prisoners wind up back in prison within three years because a prison record -- with all its restrictions on employment, education, housing and other social supports -- makes them almost incapable of competing in the outside world.

Huffington Post

But at least Mr Zardari had a prison record.

The Economist

Virtually every homeless person I encountered had a prison record.

The New York Times

"One had a prison record -- supposedly it was a misunderstanding.

The New York Times - Style

Employment is the single most important factor in the rehabilitation of someone with a prison record.

The New York Times

Michael says a prison record needn't be a barrier to fitting in with colleagues.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

He has a lengthy rap sheet and a checkered prison record.

Los Angeles Times

"We are launching this clemency initiative in order to quickly and effectively identify appropriate candidates, candidates who have a clean prison record, do not present a threat to public safety, and were sentenced under out-of-date laws that have since been changed, and are no longer seen as appropriate," Cole said in prepared remarks.

Huffington Post

Updated, 4 48 p.m. Thursday | A 42-year-old drifter with a long prison record, David Albert Mitchell, was arrested Sept. 13 for the daylight rape and beating of a 73-year-old woman in Central Park the day before, the police said.

The New York Times

The Home Office has sparked outrage by allowing Roman bronzes, Etruscan gold and other treasures to be placed on the market by liquidators acting for the government in an attempt to recover unpaid taxes from the former owner, Robin Symes, a dealer with alleged links to the smuggling trade and a UK prison record.

The Guardian - Arts

With a perfect prison record, she won clemency 18 months ago.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be accurate and specific. Instead of "a prison record" consider specifying the type of crime or the length of sentence if relevant and appropriate.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a prison record" automatically equates to a lack of trustworthiness or capability. Consider individual circumstances and rehabilitation efforts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prison record" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and labels a person's history of incarceration. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a prison record" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to an individual's history of incarceration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in news and media, often in contexts related to employment, social issues, and criminal justice reform. While seemingly neutral, it's crucial to be mindful of the potential for stigmatization when discussing "a prison record" and to consider using alternative phrases, such as "criminal history" or "prior convictions", to avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes. Remember to provide specific details when appropriate and avoid overgeneralizing the impact of "a prison record" on an individual's capabilities or trustworthiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criminal history

Focuses on the overall history of criminal activity, not specifically limited to prison.

felony conviction

Highlights a specific type of criminal conviction, implying a more serious offense.

criminal background

A broader term encompassing various aspects of someone's involvement with the criminal justice system.

history of incarceration

Emphasizes the experience of being imprisoned.

prior convictions

Refers to previous instances where someone was found guilty of a crime.

record of imprisonment

Highlights the official record of time spent in prison.

penal history

A more formal and less common way to refer to a prison record.

incarceration record

Specifically refers to records related to being held in a correctional facility.

rap sheet

An informal term for a detailed record of arrests and convictions.

offender profile

Focuses on the characteristics and history of someone who has committed offenses.

FAQs

What are the long-term consequences of having "a prison record"?

Having "a prison record" can lead to difficulties in obtaining employment, housing, and educational opportunities. It may also affect social perceptions and relationships. Consider alternatives like "criminal history" or "prior convictions" when writing about it.

How does "a prison record" affect employment opportunities?

Many employers conduct background checks, and a prison record can significantly reduce the chances of being hired, particularly for certain types of jobs. It is better to use synonyms like "criminal background" in your writing.

What alternatives can I use for "a prison record" to avoid stigma?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "criminal history", "prior convictions", or "history of incarceration" to provide more neutral language.

What is the difference between "a prison record" and "a criminal record"?

"A prison record" specifically refers to the record of time spent in prison, while "a criminal record" is a broader term that includes all interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests, convictions, and sentences. Alternatives are "offender profile" or "rap sheet".