a useful record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful record" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a document or piece of information that serves a practical purpose or provides valuable information. Example: "The meeting minutes serve as a useful record of the decisions made during our discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Other benefits of the portfolio included the view that a portfolio would prepare the students for when they came to use portfolios in future (when working as a doctor) and that they could use the portfolio as a useful record of non-academic achievements such as extra-curricular activities.

BMC Medical Education

(Lebenthal says she does not like shouting out the door, and their written exchanges provide a useful record).

The New York Times - Magazine

Unfortunately, the giant sequoia of California does not live in a sufficiently sensitive environment to provide a useful record.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The compositions of minerals as controlled by exchange reactions can provide a useful record of the temperature history of a metamorphic sample.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The digital version is a useful record, but for those who prefer the printed page, and have enough room on a sturdy bookshelf, a new edition of MANUAL OF TYPOGRAPHY (Taschen, $69.99) is now available, combining Bodoni's two volumes into a single mammoth work.

The New York Times - Books

In addition, the varnish could provide a useful record of climate change.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

There's also a useful recording feature.

The Guardian - Tech

It took tireless campaigning by certain passionate advocates to convince the world that photography could be more than an entertaining novelty or a useful recording tool.

The New York Times - Arts

Care planning was viewed as a useful recording process and platform to raise matters that would not have been possible to raise via other means.

BMC Health Services Research

Of course, truly anonymous data does not contain sufficient partially identifying information to permit any useful record linkage, by definition.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

So there is this moment where photography is seen as a truer and more useful record than a fingerprint.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a useful record", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the record useful (e.g., completeness, accuracy, accessibility).

Common error

Avoid using "a useful record" when the record's utility is minimal or questionable. Instead, provide specifics about its value or potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful record" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "useful" modifies the noun "record". It identifies something (the record) and ascribes a quality to it (usefulness). As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a document or piece of information serving a practical purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a useful record" is a common and grammatically correct expression that emphasizes the value and practicality of a particular document or piece of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something serving a purpose. It is most frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating its relevance in professional and informative settings. Alternatives like "a valuable archive" or "an informative document" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for its usefulness to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valuable archive

Changes the focus to the archival aspect and its inherent worth.

an informative document

Emphasizes the informational content and its purpose.

a helpful account

Highlights the supportive and explanatory nature of the record.

a reliable log

Focuses on the dependability and chronological aspect of the record.

a practical tool

Shifts the focus to the record's function as an instrument or aid.

an important chronicle

Highlights the significance and historical nature of the record.

a significant history

Focuses on the historical weight and importance of the account.

a beneficial transcript

Stresses the advantageous and transcribed nature of the record.

a worthwhile account

Emphasizes the value and merit of the record.

a relevant registration

Highlights the pertinence and official nature of the record.

FAQs

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

You can use "a useful record" to describe something that provides valuable information or serves a practical purpose. For example, "The patient's medical history is "a useful record" for diagnosis and treatment planning."

What are some alternatives to saying "a useful record"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a valuable archive", "an informative document", or "a helpful account".

In what situations is "a useful record" most applicable?

"A useful record" is suitable when referring to documents, databases, or logs that provide practical assistance or important insights. This is seen in various contexts from "science" to "news & media".

How does the formality of "a useful record" compare to its alternatives?

"A useful record" maintains a neutral to slightly formal tone. Alternatives like "a valuable archive" might be more suitable for formal contexts, while "a helpful account" could fit informal situations.