keep for future reference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep for future reference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to save information or documents for later use or consultation. Example: "Please keep this document for future reference in case you need to review the information later."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Sometimes you discover a gobbet of opinion to cut out and keep for future reference.

The Guardian

These purchases are the kinds of books I know I want to own and keep, for future reference or to be able to pull off the shelf at any time.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, we had to change some aspects of the CIRF to suit our study: In the consumer comprehensibility rating scale, we decided to exclude one item (No. 5: "Overall, how easy or hard would you say this information sheet is to keep for future reference?") because it had shown a very low factor loading in a previous study [ 14].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

You can also take screenshots of the favorite recipes using your smartphone, to keep for future reference.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The meetings are top secret, but a log is kept for future reference by Ellie Lewis, Mr. Sklar's young secretary, and Jim Maher, the young man who is the station's record librarian.

The New Yorker

Keep this for future reference.

WikiHow

Keep notes for future reference when having custom shoe work done.

WikiHow

You may download your plan and keep it for future reference.

WikiHow

Just be sure to write down your e-app number and keep it for future reference.

WikiHow

Get a list of your goals as soon as you are hired, including specific measurements of expected accomplishment, and keep it for future reference.

WikiHow

Get a copy of your job description as soon as you are hired, or as soon as you think of it, and keep it for future reference.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, use a slightly more formal alternative like "retain for future consultation" to convey a higher degree of seriousness and attention to detail.

Common error

Avoid simply telling someone to "keep for future reference" without specifying how the information should be stored (e.g., digitally, in a binder) or in what format. Providing clear instructions minimizes the risk of misplacement or data loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep for future reference" functions as an instructional phrase, advising someone to retain information or documents for later use. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep for future reference" is a correct and commonly used phrase to advise someone to retain information for later use. While generally neutral in tone, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "retain for later consultation" or "preserve for future review". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what and how something should be kept. It appears frequently in contexts related to Wiki, Science and News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

save for future use

Substitutes "reference" with "use", emphasizing the practical application of the information at a later time.

preserve for future review

Emphasizes the act of maintaining the information in its original condition for a future examination or assessment.

retain for later consultation

Replaces "keep" with "retain" and "reference" with "consultation", focusing on the act of maintaining information for future use.

store for future access

Highlights the act of saving data with the intention of retrieving it later.

hold on file for later

Emphasizes physical or digital archiving for later needs.

document for future needs

Shifts focus to documenting information that might be required later.

maintain for future records

Highlights the act of keeping accurate records for long-term keeping.

archive for future retrieval

Suggests the process of storing data in an archive for recovery.

log for future investigation

Emphasizes the practice of recording events for later analysis or research.

enshrine in digital memory

Highly metaphorical alternative, suggests storing something in a digital format.

FAQs

How can I use "keep for future reference" in a sentence?

You can use "keep for future reference" when advising someone to save information or documents for later use. For example: "Please keep this document for future reference in case you need to review the information later."

What are some alternatives to "keep for future reference"?

Alternatives include "save for future use", "retain for later consultation", or "preserve for future review", depending on the context.

Is "keep for future reference" formal or informal?

"Keep for future reference" is suitable for both informal and neutral settings. In formal or professional contexts, consider using alternatives like "retain for future use" or "archive for future retrieval".

When should I use "keep for future reference" instead of "save"?

Use "keep for future reference" when you want to emphasize the importance of retaining specific information for later consultation or review. "Save" is more general and simply indicates the act of preserving something.