be on record for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be on record for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has been officially documented or acknowledged. Example: "I want to be on record for supporting the new policy changes proposed by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Democrats don't want to be on record for any governing choice that might be painful.

The New York Times

A retainer and a signed legal engagement contract between the attorney and client must be on record for legal representation and counsel.

Cornell University

ThIt article originally appeared on VICE US.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

With Mr. Cochran, seven Republicans are on record for cloture to end any filibuster on McCain-Feingold.

The New York Times

"We've been on record for the past 20 years as being opposed to bonus clauses related to these awards," O'Connell said.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, please read the following with care: I love "Citizen Kane"; I have been on record for several decades as its ardent admirer.

The New York Times

Lewis is on record for having publicly expressed the strongest doubts about putting the label of genocide on the murder of the Armenians.

The New York Times

"I have been on record for asking the president for corrupt officials not to be moved around but to be removed, to be neutralized; if records can prove conviction, to be arrested and convicted.

The New York Times

Pietersen has been on record for several months that he will not allow cricket, or anything else, to make him miss the birth of his and his wife's first child.

The Guardian - Sport

I've been on record for a long time saying that I only see a major health care reform coming to the U.S. in the wake of a war, a large-scale recession or large-scale civil unrest.

The New York Times - Health

Porphyry is on record for his defence of vegetarianism in his On Abstinence.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be on record for" to indicate that a statement, action, or belief has been formally documented or publicly declared. This adds a layer of credibility and accountability to the information.

Common error

Avoid using "be on record for" when the intention is to indicate that something is confidential or not for public consumption. "Off the record" is the correct phrase for such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on record for" functions as a declarative expression, indicating that a statement, action, or position has been officially documented or publicly stated. It is used to emphasize the formal or public nature of the information, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be on record for" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It indicates that something has been officially documented or publicly declared. While relatively common, its usage is most prominent in news and media contexts. To enhance clarity, avoid confusing it with "off the record", and remember that it implies a formal statement or action, as supported by the provided examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be documented as

Focuses on the act of recording information officially.

be noted for

Highlights the attribute or action that is being recognized and documented.

have a history of

Emphasizes past actions or characteristics that are known and documented.

be known to

Highlights a recognized attribute or action, often implying widespread knowledge.

be officially stated

Focuses on a formal declaration or announcement.

publicly declare

Emphasizes a public and explicit declaration of a belief or intention.

be formally recognized for

Focuses on official acknowledgement and recording of an achievement or attribute.

expressly advocate

Highlights a clear and explicit endorsement of a cause or idea.

be registered as

Implies an official listing or enrollment for a specific purpose.

have a reputation for

Indicates a widely known characteristic or behavior.

FAQs

How to use "be on record for" in a sentence?

Use "be on record for" to indicate that something has been formally documented or publicly declared. For example, "The senator wants to "be on record for" supporting the new bill".

What can I say instead of "be on record for"?

You can use alternatives like "be documented as", "be noted for", or "be officially stated" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be on the record for"?

While grammatically similar, "be on record for" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Be on the record for" may sound slightly less natural.

What's the difference between "be on record for" and "have a history of"?

"Be on record for" often refers to a specific statement or action that is documented, while "have a history of" implies a pattern of behavior or a series of related events over time.