for your files

USAGE SUMMARY

"for your files" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a document to store away for personal reference. For example, "Please save this report for your files."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The cost Dropbox is free at its basic level, which provides 2GB of storage for your files.

The Guardian - Tech

You'll probably need to buy a memory card, in fact, since the Player comes with only about four gigabytes of free memory for your files.

The New York Times - Tech

In addition to its one-step backup, the drive also offers two layers of protection for your files by using password-protected access control and Advanced Encryption Standard technology.

The New York Times - Tech

(That, the company says, is why the Plus service still offers only 2 gigabytes of storage for your files; it figures you've now got the whole Internet as your storage bin).

The New York Times - Tech

Retain this information for your files.

University of Chicago

Please be sure to retain a copy of Form AR-11 for your files.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"I need to take a palm scan for your file".

The New York Times - Tech

Choose one that is appropriate for your file system.

Columbia University

The file system may be so fragmented that there's not enough contiguous space for your file.

Stanford University

The watchwords for your filing system are 'labelled' and 'accessible'accessible

Science Magazine

Then, compare that total - your MAGI - to the base amount for your filing status.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to retain information, specify the type of files: "Keep a digital copy of the receipt "for your files"".

Common error

Avoid using "for your files" in extremely casual conversations where simpler phrases like "keep this" or "remember this" suffice. The phrase implies a degree of formality that may be unnecessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for your files" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adjunct to a verb or clause. It indicates the purpose or destination of an action, advising the recipient to retain something for their own records or future use. According to Ludwig, it is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

26%

News & Media

23%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Science

11%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for your files" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that advises keeping something for personal records or future reference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, although overuse in extremely informal situations should be avoided. The phrase sees frequent use in academia, news, and wiki contexts. Alternatives include "for your records" and "keep for future reference", offering options with varying degrees of formality. When using "for your files", ensure the context warrants the implied level of organization and record-keeping.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for your records

This alternative is a more formal and widely recognized synonym, suitable for professional contexts.

retain for your records

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "retain", suggesting a higher degree of importance.

for your reference

This is a shorter and more general way of saying "for your future consultation".

for your personal archive

This phrase emphasizes long-term storage and personal organization.

keep for future reference

This alternative highlights the purpose of retaining the information.

for your documentation

This is suitable when referring to technical or official records.

to keep on file

This alternative is a more concise way of saying "to keep a record of".

keep a copy

This is a simple and direct way of advising someone to make a duplicate for their own purposes.

for safekeeping

This option suggests a secure storage for important documents.

save for your own use

This option focuses on the individual's benefit from keeping the item.

FAQs

How can I use "for your files" in a sentence?

You can use "for your files" when you want to suggest that someone should keep a copy of a document or information /s/for+your+records for future use or reference. For example, "Please keep this receipt "for your files"".

What's a more formal way to say "for your files"?

A more formal way to express the same idea is to use the phrase /s/for+your+records. This alternative is suitable for professional or official communications.

Is it always necessary to specify what kind of "files" I'm referring to when using "for your files"?

No, it's not always necessary. The context often makes it clear whether you mean digital files, paper files, or some other form of record-keeping. However, being specific can avoid confusion.

Are there situations where "for your files" would be inappropriate?

Yes, in very informal settings, it might sound too formal. Simpler alternatives like "keep this" or "remember this" might be more suitable. Also, avoid using "for your files" when a more specific instruction is needed, such as "store this securely".