audit trail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "audit trail" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts related to tracking changes, transactions, or activities for accountability and transparency. For example, "The software provides a comprehensive audit trail of all user activities." Alternative expressions include "transaction log" and "activity log."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who keeps an audit trail?

The Economist

§ 1311.215 Internal audit trail.

Cornell University

Like cash, it leaves no audit trail.

The Economist

And the machine leaves no audit trail.

The New York Times

An associated transparent and open audit trail should be developed".

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

There is no verification of the audit trail".

The New York Times

Would there be an audit trail of his interventions?

The Guardian

It tracks its progress and creates an audit trail.

The New York Times - Tech

Sending texts from a central system leaves an audit trail.

The Guardian - Tech

These are multi-organization databases with a super audit trail.

Harvard Business Review

MDLs are multiorganizational databases with a super audit trail.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing system security or financial accountability, clearly define the scope of the "audit trail" to avoid ambiguity. Specify what actions are tracked and for how long the data is retained.

Common error

Don't assume that simply having an "audit trail" guarantees accountability. Regularly review and analyze the data to identify irregularities or potential security breaches. Automated systems are only effective if actively monitored.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "audit trail" functions as a noun, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a record that allows one to trace a sequence of events. Ludwig AI confirms that the examples show how it is used to describe a traceable record.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "audit trail" is a commonly used term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, referring to a record that enables tracking and verification of activities, especially financial transactions or system events. It is grammatically correct and appears frequently in News & Media, Science and Academic sources, lending itself to neutral and formal contexts. Key related phrases include "activity log" and "transaction log". When using "audit trail", ensure you define the scope of what's being tracked and regularly review the data. Avoid over-reliance on automated systems and actively monitor the logs. The presence of "audit trail" examples in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its importance in ensuring transparency and accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

audit log

Shorter version of the original phrase, mostly used in IT.

activity log

Focuses on recording activities, potentially broader than financial transactions.

transaction log

Specifically refers to a log of transactions, especially financial ones.

paper trail

Implies a physical record, in contrast to digital records.

record of actions

A general phrase for documenting actions, less formal.

documented history

Emphasizes the historical aspect of the documented events.

chain of evidence

Suggests a sequence of evidence, often in a legal or investigative context.

log of events

Focuses on chronological recording of events.

history of transactions

Specifies the tracking of transactions over time.

chronological record

Highlights the time-ordered nature of the documentation.

FAQs

How is "audit trail" used in accounting?

In accounting, an "audit trail" is a detailed record of financial transactions, enabling auditors to trace financial data back to its source documents. This ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial statements.

What's the difference between "audit trail" and "activity log"?

While both track events, an "audit trail" typically focuses on financial or security-related transactions for accountability, while an "activity log" can encompass a broader range of user or system activities for monitoring and debugging purposes.

What are the key elements of a good "audit trail"?

A robust "audit trail" should include detailed records of who performed an action, what action was performed, when it was performed, and where it was performed. This ensures traceability and accountability.

How can I ensure my system has a reliable "audit trail"?

Implement a system that automatically records all relevant transactions and activities, restricts access to the "audit trail" data, and regularly review the logs for anomalies or suspicious behavior. Also, consider compliance with regulations like GDPR.