an old record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an old record" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a music record or a historical document that is not new. Example: "I found an old record of my favorite band at the thrift store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's not an old record, but it's been shredded.

The New York Times

We wanted it to sound like an old record of the period.

The New York Times - Arts

Having it sound like an old record was part of the fun.

The New York Times - Arts

Young people who like Bernie Sanders like him because he sounds like an old record.

The New Yorker

We had an old record player, and music filled the house.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The concerts were recitals of an old record, the 1968 album "Astral Weeks".

The New Yorker

Mr. Tamborello added a hoary pizzicato flourish that might have been sampled from an old record.

The New York Times - Arts

Piano music between scenes develops glitches as if an old record were snagging.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Someone plays the blues, and you hear the crackle of an old recording.

The Guardian - Arts

Music cut in and out: an old recording of Chopin, the first chords of Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness".

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Oliveira learned it and recorded it after hearing an old recording and setting out to find the music.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an old record" when referring to historical data or information that may be outdated but still relevant. Ensure the context clarifies whether you're discussing its historical significance or potential inaccuracies.

Common error

Avoid automatically associating "an old record" with high value or quality. While some old records are valuable collectibles, many are simply outdated or worn. Specify its condition or significance to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an old record" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "old" modifies the noun "record". Ludwig AI shows that it commonly acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an old record" is a common and grammatically sound expression, frequently used across various contexts, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to describe a record that is not new, often implying age, vintage quality, or historical significance. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, remember to provide context to avoid misconceptions about its value or accuracy. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates its prevalence in news media and academic sources, highlighting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vintage record

Replaces "old" with "vintage", emphasizing the age and potentially the quality or desirability of the record.

a classic record

Substitutes "old" with "classic", highlighting the record's lasting appeal and significance.

a bygone record

Uses "bygone" instead of "old", suggesting the record belongs to a past era.

an antique record

Replaces "old" with "antique", indicating the record is old and valuable.

a historical recording

Shifts the focus to the content of the record as a recording, emphasizing its historical value.

a relic of the past

Frames the record as a surviving object from the past, more figurative.

a previous recording

Focuses on the fact that the recording was made at an earlier time.

an earlier record

Uses "earlier" instead of "old" indicating the record is precedent.

a dated record

Replaces "old" with "dated", suggesting the record is out of style or no longer current.

a worn record

Emphasizes the physical condition of the record, implying it has been played many times.

FAQs

How can I use "an old record" in a sentence?

You can use "an old record" to describe a vintage music recording, like "He found "an old record" of Elvis Presley at the flea market", or to refer to outdated information, as in "The policy is based on "an old record" and needs updating".

What's the difference between "an old record" and "a vintage record"?

While both phrases refer to something from the past, ""an old record"" simply indicates age. "a vintage record" often implies a certain level of quality or collectibility associated with its age.

What can I say instead of "an old record" to refer to outdated information?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "outdated data", "historical information", or "archaic documentation".

Is it correct to use "an old record" to describe something that is no longer accurate?

Yes, but it's important to provide context. Saying something is ""an old record"" implies it's from the past and potentially no longer reflects the current situation. Ensure your audience understands this distinction.