be at a record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be at a record" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey a state of reaching a record level or achievement, but it is not a commonly used expression. Example: "The temperature is expected to be at a record high this summer."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Polls show that abstentions are expected to be at a record high.

The New York Times

PROFITS may be at a record high, but American businessfolk are feeling glum.

The Economist

But heroin use among high school seniors was found to be at a record high.

The New York Times

With no official polls allowed in the two weeks before elections — and with turnout expected to be at a record low — the outcome of the race remains uncertain.

The New York Times

Benazir's popular support was said to be at a record low, and some aides had argued that this was no time to be testing that support by holding a public meeting.

The New Yorker

David Cameron stands accused of using "smoke and mirrors" tactics over his pledge to cut energy bills, with critics claiming that fuel prices will be at a record high this winter and cuts to energy efficiency schemes will come at the expense of some of the poorest households.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Unemployment is at a record high.

The Economist

Job vacancies are at a record high.

The Economist

Unemployment is at a record low.

The Economist

Youth unemployment is at a record low.

The Economist

Platinum prices are at a record high.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something reaching its highest or lowest point, use "reach a record high/low" or "hit a record high/low". This is clearer and more grammatically sound than "be at a record".

Common error

Avoid using "be at a record" when you mean to say something has achieved a record. Instead, opt for phrases like "reach a record" or "hit a record".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be at a record" aims to describe a state of reaching a peak or trough. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrasing is not standard in written English and often requires correction to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "be at a record" attempts to convey that something has reached a record level, Ludwig AI indicates it's not grammatically sound in standard English. It is more appropriate to use alternatives like "reach a record" or "hit a record" to ensure clarity and correctness. The primary context of usage is News & Media, but it's essential to consider more formal phrasing for professional or academic writing. Remember to opt for more precise and grammatically correct alternatives to effectively communicate the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach a record

Emphasizes the action of attaining a record value.

hit a record

Similar to "reach a record", highlighting the moment of achieving a record.

stand at a record

Indicates the current state of being at a record level.

peak at a record

Focuses on the highest point reaching a record.

plummet to a record low

Specifically indicates falling to the lowest recorded level.

soar to a record high

Specifically indicates rising to the highest recorded level.

ascend to a record level

Implies gradually reaching the highest recorded level.

descend to a record level

Implies gradually falling to the lowest recorded level.

establish a record

Highlights the creation or setting of a new record.

set a record

Similar to "establish a record", indicating the creation of a new record.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically correct alternative to "be at a record"?

More grammatically correct alternatives include "reach a record" or "hit a record", which clearly indicate the attainment of a record level.

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

You could say, "The company's profits "reached a record" high this quarter," indicating that the profits achieved their highest level.

Is "be at a record low" grammatically correct?

While understandable, it's better to say "reach a record low" or "hit a record low" for improved grammatical clarity. For example, "Unemployment "hit a record low" last month" is preferable.

What's the difference between "be at a record" and "stand at a record"?

While both attempt to describe a current state, "stand at a record" is slightly better but still less common and idiomatic than "reach a record". A better way to phrase it is: The price "stands at a record" high since last week.