by the record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the record" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is documented or officially noted, often in legal or formal contexts. Example: "By the record, the meeting was held on March 5th, and all decisions were documented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Charles's managers were bewildered by the record.

The Guardian - Music

But the defiant words are belied by the record.

The New York Times - Sports

But to make a breakthrough, the promotion provided by  the record labels still seems essential.

Independent

Vikram stood by the record player, putting on seven-inch singles.

The New Yorker

Big artists complain about exploitation by the record labels, working in league with the streaming services.

Independent

"We get our wrists slapped by the record companies and publishing companies and whatever," he said.

The New Yorker

The hiring of Donovan was first reported by The Record of Hackensack, N.J.

The New York Times - Sports

It is true that the starmaking machines run by the record companies are creaking.

The Economist

That hasn't been the case lately, judging by the record television ratings for big-ticket events.

The New York Times

The hip-hop details were added later by the record producer.

The New Yorker

Although disturbed by the record, Umenyiora urged the Falcons to take solace in their competitive play.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by the record" to introduce information that can be verified through official sources. This enhances the credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "by the record" when referring to casual or unverified information. This phrase implies formal documentation, so ensure that the reference is legitimate and officially maintained, not merely anecdotal or informally noted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the record" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates that a statement or conclusion is based on documented information or official evidence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correctly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the record" is a prepositional phrase that signifies reliance on official documentation or evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use in news, science, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, ensure you're referring to verified, documented information to maintain credibility. It's most appropriate in formal settings and functions to establish a factual basis for statements. Consider alternatives like "according to the evidence" or "based on the documentation" to vary your phrasing, while avoiding its use in informal or casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to the evidence

Replaces "record" with "evidence", focusing on the factual basis.

based on the documentation

Substitutes "record" with "documentation", emphasizing written materials.

as the facts show

Replaces "by the record" with a more direct reference to factual information.

in light of the official account

Uses "official account" instead of "record", highlighting authorized information.

judging from the information available

Emphasizes assessment based on accessible data, rather than a formal record.

as indicated in the files

Specifies "files" instead of "record", focusing on documented sources.

from the perspective of historical data

Replaces "record" with "historical data", implying a broader, time-based view.

in view of the formal proceedings

Highlights official or legal contexts instead of simply "the record".

considering the documented history

Focuses on the historical aspect captured within the record.

on the basis of the transcribed data

Specifies "transcribed data" to emphasize recorded information, rather than a general record.

FAQs

How can I use "by the record" in a sentence?

Use "by the record" to indicate that something is supported by official documentation or evidence. For example, "By the record, the meeting was held on March 5th."

What's a good alternative to "by the record"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "according to the evidence", "based on the documentation", or "as the facts show".

In what type of writing is "by the record" most appropriate?

"By the record" is most appropriate in formal writing, such as legal documents, news reports, and academic papers, where accuracy and verifiable information are crucial.

Is "by the record" interchangeable with "on the record"?

While similar, "by the record" typically means "according to what is officially documented", whereas "on the record" means "made as an official statement that can be publicly reported". They are not always interchangeable.