document for posterity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "document for posterity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean that something is being recorded or preserved for future generations. For example, "The author wrote extensively about the war, so that her experiences could be documented for posterity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"This was an important document for posterity, for transparency, and to understand the dynamics of how Qaddafi came to his end," said Renata Ferri, an Italian photo editor and a jury member, in the World Press statement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

One of the aims is the reconstruction of works not seen in years, so that they may be documented for posterity.

The New Yorker

"Most dance photography is usually only documented for posterity," says Guest. "We wanted to do something different by bringing together portraiture, fashion and dance".

Independent

Mr. Avian said he was not exactly thrilled when he learned that such life-altering decisions would be documented for posterity.

The New York Times

To the growing body of invaluable cinematic literature documenting for posterity the hideous barbarity of Nazism may now be added "Paragraph 175".

The New York Times

Celebratory and commemorative, they were created as historical documents for posterity and not intended to set stylistic precedents or to woo viewers of the time.

Columbia University

At 13, a lonely Tarbox got involved with a 41-year-old pedophile she met in a chat room on American Online; the resulting mess is now documented for posterity in 200 pages of teenage angst.

The New York Times - Books

Very few of his performances with the orchestra have lodged in the memory in the way that over the years so many with the Mariinsky have done, and the composer-themed series – Mahler, Brahms and Szymanowski, Berlioz – far too many of them assiduously documented for posterity on the LSO's own CD label, have often seemed like featureless mediocrity.

The Guardian - Music

Every Play-Doh sculpture my 2-year-old creates must be documented for posterity.

Forbes

Lawyers said that since victims didn't know to ask for paperwork and because, when it was given, keeping official documents for posterity is not a Maasai custom, the real numbers are likely much higher.

Vice

Lomax didn't just document songs for posterity and research like other working ethnomusicologists.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "document for posterity" when emphasizing the importance of creating a lasting record for future generations to understand or learn from past events or achievements.

Common error

Avoid using "document for posterity" in informal contexts. Opt for simpler phrases like "save it for later" or "keep a record" in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "document for posterity" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier. It often modifies verbs like 'record', 'preserve', or 'save', indicating the purpose or intention behind the action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it implies that something is being recorded or preserved for future generations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "document for posterity" signifies the act of creating a lasting record for future generations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and used to emphasize the importance of preserving information. While relatively rare, its formality lends itself to academic and news contexts. When aiming to convey the significance of preserving something for future learning or appreciation, consider employing this phrase, but be mindful of its formal tone and ensure its appropriateness for the intended audience. Alternatives like "record for future generations" or "preserve for the historical record" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

save for posterity

A more concise version, omitting "document" but implying preservation.

record for future generations

Emphasizes the act of recording rather than the documentation itself.

preserve for the historical record

Highlights the historical significance of the information.

archive for future reference

Focuses on making the information accessible for later use.

keep for future study

Highlights the potential for future scholarly analysis.

immortalize for generations to come

Adds a sense of permanence and importance.

maintain for historical context

Stresses the importance of maintaining context over time.

enshrine in the annals of time

Uses more figurative language to convey long-lasting preservation.

log for archival purposes

Focuses on the creation of a formal archive.

store for long-term preservation

Emphasizes the storage aspect of the documentation process.

FAQs

What does "document for posterity" mean?

The phrase "document for posterity" means to create a record of something for future generations, ensuring that it is preserved and available for them to learn from or appreciate.

How can I use "document for posterity" in a sentence?

You might say, "The museum decided to "document the exhibit" for posterity, creating a virtual tour that future visitors can access online".

What are some alternatives to "document for posterity"?

Some alternatives include "record for future generations", "preserve for the historical record", or simply "save for later" depending on the context.

Is "document for posterity" formal or informal?

"Document for posterity" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for academic, historical, or professional contexts rather than casual conversation.