earliest record of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earliest record of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the first documented instance of something in history or a specific context. Example: "The earliest record of the ancient civilization dates back to 3000 BC."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The earliest record of the magnetic compass in Europe (1187) is followed within a century by the earliest record of a sea chart.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He reckons it represents nothing less than the earliest record of the human imagination.

The Economist

The earliest record of a bandy club, Bury Fen in England, dates to 1813.

The New York Times - Sports

These rocks contain the earliest record of abundant and varied life-forms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest record of the domestication of pigeons is from the fifth Egyptian dynasty (about 3000 bc).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest record of Moraceae is in pollen from the middle Eocene (about 40 million years ago).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the earliest record of the genus Muscardinus dates from the Middle Miocene in Spain, no mention has been reported since the Lower Pliocene in the Iberian Peninsula.

Quaternary Science Reviews

One letter, from 1567, about a headstrong youth uses the term "white lie," pre-dating the O.E.D.'s earliest record of the phrase by nearly two centuries.

The New Yorker

In a clear act of sentiment, the researchers titled their paper, "Forever Love: The Hitherto Earliest Record of Copulating Insects from the Middle Jurassic of China".

The New York Times - Science

Again, Parker: "The earliest record of his mature height, at almost twenty, is in the crew list of the St .Lawrence, which he signed on June 3 , 1839

The New York Times

The earliest record of the kingdom shortly before 850 was by the Arab geographer Ibn Khurradādhbih, who called it Ramaññadesa (the Rmen, or Mon, land).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "earliest record of", ensure you provide specific details about the record itself, such as its date, source, and what it documents, to enhance clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "earliest record of" something is necessarily the definitive origin or beginning. It only represents the earliest known documentation, and earlier instances may exist without recorded evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earliest record of" functions as a determiner phrase identifying the first known instance of something based on available documentation. Ludwig provides examples of this usage across various fields, showing its adaptability in historical and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

22%

News & Media

21%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

13%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earliest record of" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to refer to the first known or documented instance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, it's important to remember that it indicates the oldest known evidence, not necessarily the absolute beginning. Alternatives like "first documented instance" and "oldest known account" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis, but "earliest record of" remains a clear and authoritative choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first documented instance

Focuses on the act of documentation as the primary indicator of 'first' rather than a general record.

initial recording

Emphasizes the action of making an initial record, shifting focus slightly from the record itself to the act.

oldest known account

Replaces 'record' with 'account', highlighting the narrative or descriptive aspect of the information.

earliest account

More generic phrasing and lacks the formal tone of the other options.

first indication of

Highlights that the record serves as an indication rather than a comprehensive history.

initial evidence of

Replaces 'record' with 'evidence', suggesting a more conclusive or supportive role of the information.

oldest evidence

More generic phrasing and lacks the formal tone of the other options.

first trace of

Suggests the record is faint or incomplete, merely a 'trace' of something.

initial mention

Highlights the act of being mentioned for the first time.

first appearance

Suitable when referring to events or entities that manifest or become known at a particular time.

FAQs

What does "earliest record of" mean?

The phrase "earliest record of" refers to the first known or documented instance of something. It signifies the oldest evidence available that confirms the existence or occurrence of a particular event, object, or phenomenon.

How to use "earliest record of" in a sentence?

You can use "earliest record of" to introduce historical facts or discoveries. For example: "The "earliest record of" the use of the wheel comes from Mesopotamia."

What can I say instead of "earliest record of"?

You can use alternatives like "first documented instance", "oldest known account", or "initial evidence of" depending on the context.

Is it accurate to assume the "earliest record of" something is its true beginning?

Not necessarily. The "earliest record of" something only indicates the oldest known documentation, not necessarily the actual start. There might be earlier occurrences without any surviving records.