hold a record

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold a record" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that someone has accomplished something and their accomplishment is registered and acknowledged publicly. For example, "This year's winner of the marathon held the record for quickest marathon completion in the state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

With one politician's decision to switch parties, Democrats now hold a record-low number of governorships — and Republicans hold a record high.

The Washington Post

Four more victories and I will hold a record not likely to be broken.

The New York Times - Sports

Today, Gillibrand and the other women of the Senate hold a record twenty seats.

The New Yorker

"Forty-eight years is almost enough time to hold a record," Latynina, 77, said earlier Tuesday by phone.

The New York Times - Sports

Inside the recordholding community, someone who does not hold a record is sometimes said to be "Guinless".

The New Yorker

All four were non-conference games; the Engineers now hold a record of 17-5 (4-0 in the NEWMAC).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"I love being able to hold a recording in my hand," David Starobin said.

The New York Times - Arts

If a broker seeks expungement after reaching a confidential settlement with a customer, Finra says arbitrators must review the settlement documents and hold a recorded hearing.

The New York Times

The top 10% of earners held a record 48.2%.

The Economist

It already held a record as the first book printed in English in North America.

The New York Times

California's Hollywood Park holds a record of sorts, set in the Haggin Stakes last July.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold a record", ensure the context clearly specifies what kind of record is being held. Be specific about the category or field in which the record is established.

Common error

Avoid using "hold a record" vaguely. Always specify the record being held (e.g., "hold a record for most goals scored" rather than simply "hold a record").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a record" functions as a verb phrase, where "hold" is the verb and "a record" is the direct object. It indicates the act of possessing or maintaining a specific achievement or accomplishment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

26%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold a record" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone or something currently possesses a recognized achievement. It is used across various contexts, primarily in news, academic writing, and general informative content. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is reliable and clear, but best practice is to specify the record being held to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "possess a record" or "maintain a record" can provide nuanced meanings depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess a record

Emphasizes ownership of the record rather than the act of achieving or maintaining it.

maintain a record

Focuses on the act of preserving an existing record over time.

retain a record

Similar to maintain, but with a stronger connotation of preventing loss of the record.

lay claim to a record

Highlights the assertion of ownership or achievement of the record.

be the record holder

Shifts the focus to the person or entity that possesses the record.

establish a record

Emphasizes the creation of the record, rather than the current state of holding it.

set a record

Focuses on the act of achieving the record in the first place.

break a record

Implies surpassing a previously existing record.

own a record

Indicates having a record to one’s name.

have a record

General way of stating that a record is attributed to something.

FAQs

How can I use "hold a record" in a sentence?

You can use "hold a record" to describe someone or something that currently possesses the best-ever result in a specific category. For example, "She "holds a record" for the fastest marathon time."

What are some alternatives to saying "hold a record"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "possess a record", "maintain a record", or "be the record holder".

Is it correct to say "held a record" instead of "hold a record"?

Yes, "held a record" is the past tense form and is appropriate when referring to a record that was previously held but may no longer be. "Hold a record" refers to a current state.

What is the difference between "set a record" and "hold a record"?

"Set a record" refers to the act of establishing a new record, while "hold a record" refers to the state of currently possessing that record.