archive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'archive' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun or a verb. Example sentence: I need to archive all my old documents in the filing cabinet.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Books

TV & Radio

Arts

Film

Lifestyle

Tech

Business

Opinion

Music

Sport

World

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For thousands more questions and answers take a trip through the dusty corridors of the Knowledge archive.

The Guardian - Sport

Anthony McIntyre, a former IRA life sentence prisoner and chief researcher on the Belfast project, defended the archive and blamed Boston College for failing to make clear to him and the interviewees that there was a legal treaty that allowed the British state to seize academic material from the United States.

The Guardian

It is understood that the Boston archive includes claims by both dead and living IRA members that Adams as a senior commander in the organisation in 1972 came up with the idea of "disappearing" McConville rather than publicly admit the terror group had killed her.

The Guardian

The V&A's archive (which is mainly post-1920) includes jokes that would have been rejected by comedians on the working-men's clubs circuit, even in the Seventies.

The Guardian

A fire at Smith's destroyed most of the archive in 1931; bombing in the Blitz pretty much finished it off.

The Guardian

The library at Worcester Cathedral was founded in Saxon times and today holds a fine collection of medieval manuscripts, post-medieval books and archive documents.

The Guardian - Travel

The size and scope of Oink's catalogue outdid any online music purveyor, and given its distributed nature, the archive was essentially indestructible.

The Guardian - Books

My favourites this year include Ballad of the Miners' Strike (March, Radio 2), a hugely moving and important testimony woven with folk music, archive clips and much warmth.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The archive is in the People's History Museum, Manchester – but nobody would have known it was there".

The Guardian - Film

Caesar first brought the images to the National Holocaust Museum in Washington (where 10 images were recently exhibited in the Museum's Genocide Prevention Center), seeking to learn how best to preserve and archive the images and preserve them for future prosecution.

The Guardian

Plesch is seeking funding to make the 900-gigabyte archive available to the public.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "archive"; it implies long-term storage and preservation, often for historical or future reference.

Common error

Avoid using "archive" when you simply mean to move something temporarily. "Archive" suggests a more permanent and organized storage solution.

Linguistic Context

The word "archive" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a place or collection of historical documents or records. It can also function as a verb, meaning to store or preserve such materials. Ludwig shows examples of both usages, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Travel

2%

Tech

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "archive" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, primarily used to denote the storage and preservation of historical or important documents. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in News & Media sources, as well as Arts, and Formal & Business contexts. While generally neutral to formal in register, its presence across authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its importance in various domains. Remember to use "archive" when referring to organized, long-term storage solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

historical record

Focuses on the content being preserved rather than the place or process.

collection of documents

Highlights the assembled nature of the material.

data repository

Emphasizes the storage aspect, often in a digital context.

digital library

Specifically refers to a collection of digital items.

file storage system

Focuses on the organizational method of storing files.

preserve documents

Highlights the act of maintaining documents in good condition.

maintain records

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to keep records updated and accessible.

keep a repository

Highlights the action of having a storage space.

put in storage

Focuses on the act of placing something in a storage location.

store away

Simple alternative to storing for future use.

FAQs

How can I use the word "archive" in a sentence?

You can use "archive" as a noun, referring to a place where historical records are kept, or as a verb, meaning to store something for future use. Example: "The museum has a vast "historical record"." or "I need to "preserve documents" from last year."

What are some alternatives to the word "archive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""historical record"", "collection of documents", or "data repository".

Is it correct to use "archive" as both a noun and a verb?

Yes, "archive" can be used as both a noun (referring to the physical place or collection) and a verb (referring to the act of storing something in an archive). Ludwig AI confirms this with real-world examples.

What is the difference between an archive and a library?

While both archives and libraries store information, archives typically contain unique, original documents, while libraries primarily hold published materials like books. The purpose of archiving is long-term preservation, not circulation like in libraries.