for posterity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for posterity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to something that is preserved for future generations to remember or benefit from. For example, "This library was built for posterity so that future generations can have access to knowledge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Do it for posterity.

The New York Times - Sports

That's for posterity.

The Guardian - Books

That is for posterity.

The Guardian - Books

"I speak for posterity".

The New York Times

Fortunately for posterity — if not for Mssrs.

The New York Times

The oversight sealed her fate for posterity.

The New York Times

— and preserved for posterity on DVD.

The New York Times - Arts

Then they will be sealed for posterity.

The New York Times

Instagram saves them for posterity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The sadly not-preserved-for-posterity pilot.

The Guardian - Music

The sadly preserved-for-posterity panel show.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "for posterity" with verbs like "preserve", "record", or "document" to highlight the action of saving something for the future.

Common error

Avoid using "for posterity" when the focus is on immediate impact rather than long-term preservation. If something is only relevant now, consider phrases like "for the present" or "for immediate use".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for posterity" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the purpose or reason for an action. According to Ludwig AI, it is often used to denote that something is being done or preserved so that future generations can remember or benefit from it. For example, "Hudson also filmed the event for posterity."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for posterity" is a common phrase used to express the intention of preserving something for future generations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its primary function is adverbial, adding context to actions related to documentation and preservation. Found frequently in "News & Media" and academic contexts, it carries a neutral tone suitable for discussions about historical and cultural significance. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with long-term value rather than immediate relevance. Remember there are alternatives such as "for future generations" or "for the sake of history", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for future generations

Emphasizes the recipients of the preservation.

for historical record

Highlights the act of maintaining an accurate historical account.

for the benefit of future generations

Highlights the positive impact on those who come after.

for the sake of history

Highlights the historical importance of preserving something.

so that it may be remembered

Focuses on ensuring something is not forgotten.

to ensure its survival

Focuses on the act of guaranteeing continued existence.

to immortalize

Implies making something last indefinitely.

to keep alive

Stresses the active effort to maintain something's presence.

to preserve for the ages

Emphasizes a very long-term preservation.

in remembrance

Suggests honoring the past through preservation.

FAQs

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

Use "for posterity" to indicate that something is being preserved or recorded so that people in the future can see, understand, or appreciate it. For example, "The museum collected artifacts "for posterity".".

What phrases are similar to "for posterity"?

Similar phrases include "for future generations", "for the sake of history", and "for the historical record". Choose the one that best fits the context.

Is it correct to say "in posterity" instead of "for posterity"?

No, the correct and commonly used phrase is "for posterity". The phrase "in posterity" is not standard English.

What is the difference between "for posterity" and "for the record"?

"For posterity" emphasizes preserving something for future generations, while "for the record" emphasizes ensuring something is officially noted or documented, often for accuracy or clarification.