historical record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'historical record' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a document or collection of documents which provide an account of a particular event or period from the past. For example: "The historical record shows that the first human-made satellite was launched in 1957."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One, the historical record matters.

The New York Times - Arts

The historical record is interesting.

Independent

The historical record.

Nature

Consider the historical record.

The New York Times

The historical record offers no definitive answers.

The New York Times

" The historical record is being deleted.

Independent

"This is a matter of historical record.

The New York Times - Books

It hews to the historical record.

The New York Times - Books

Yet the historical record is quite rich.

The New York Times - Books

Admittedly, the historical record is dismal.

The New York Times

Here the historical record is instructive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "historical record" when you are referring to established and verifiable information about the past, differentiating it from speculation or folklore.

Common error

Avoid using "historical record" interchangeably with "history". "History" is a broad interpretation of the past, whereas the "historical record" consists of the actual documents and evidence used to construct that interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "historical record" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a collection of documents or evidence pertaining to past events. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used to refer to factual accounts and documented evidence from the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "historical record" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to documented accounts of the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, prioritize verifiable sources and clarify which part of the "historical record" you are referencing for greater accuracy. Remember to distinguish it from "history", which encompasses broader interpretations. Alternative phrases include "official record" or "documented past", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official record

Focuses on the formally documented version of events, often implying a degree of authority or validation.

documented past

Highlights the presence of documentation as evidence of events that occurred.

historical accounts

Similar to written history, but can include oral accounts that have been recorded.

written history

Emphasizes the narrative aspect of historical accounts, specifically those that are written down.

evidence of the past

Highlights the tangible or intangible evidence that supports our understanding of past events.

chronicle of events

Suggests a detailed and sequential account of happenings over time.

past events

A broader term encompassing all events that have occurred, not necessarily documented.

archives

Refers specifically to collections of historical documents and records.

the annals of time

A more literary and figurative way of referring to historical records.

legacy

Focuses on the lasting impact or consequences of past events.

FAQs

How is the phrase "historical record" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, the "historical record" is often referenced to support arguments, analyze past events, and provide context for current research. It emphasizes verifiable evidence and documented sources.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "historical record"?

Some alternatives include "official record", "written history", or "documented past", depending on the context and the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

How does "historical record" differ from "history"?

"Historical record" refers to the collection of documents, artifacts, and other primary sources from the past. "History", on the other hand, is the interpretation and narrative constructed from those sources.

In what contexts should I avoid using the phrase "historical record"?

Avoid using "historical record" in informal contexts or when discussing speculative or unverified information. It's best suited for situations where accuracy and factual evidence are important.