keep for your records

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep for your records" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to keep a record of something for future reference. For example: Please sign this contract and keep it for your records.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Once your submission is successful, you will see a message with a green check mark and a confirmation code of your exam submission, which you should keep for your records in case any issues arise later.

Stanford University

Note at the top right hand corner that it says "Keep for your records".

Forbes

If you are donating cash it is best to write a check to keep for your records, if you donate an item then you can donate the current fair market value.

Huffington Post

Either your money order will have a carbon copy underneath or a portion attached to detach and keep for your records.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This is verification that you filed the complaint on the day you did, and should be kept for your records.

WikiHow

Keep one for your records and save the other two to take to the Social Security Office and DMV.[32].

WikiHow

Retain a receipt for your request and keep it for your records.

WikiHow

Once you receive your EAD, make a copy or scan of it and keep it for your records.

University of Chicago

If it is not clear from the job description that the work is related to the student's degree, SEVP highly recommends that you obtain a signed letter from your supervisor or manager or the employer's hiring official stating how your degree is related to the work performed and keep it for your records.

University of Chicago

Keep copies for your records.

HuffPost

Keep it for your records.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "keep for your records" to clearly advise the recipient to retain the information for possible later use or verification.

Common error

Avoid using "keep for your records" when the recipient needs to take immediate action based on the information. This phrase implies passive retention, not active engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep for your records" functions as an imperative phrase, instructing the recipient to retain specific information or documentation for future use. As Ludwig AI states, it's generally used to encourage someone to maintain a record for later reference.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep for your records" is a directive suggesting that information or documentation should be retained for future reference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. While grammatically sound and easily understood, it appears with relative infrequency. The phrase is used across a variety of contexts, from academic to news media, and can be considered appropriate for neutral and professional communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the information is indeed important to retain for future reference, and be mindful of alternative phrasings like "retain for future reference" if a more formal tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Retain for future reference

Replaces "keep" with "retain" and "records" with "future reference", indicating a more formal tone.

Save for your files

Substitutes "records" with "files", suggesting digital or physical storage.

Hold onto for your archives

Emphasizes long-term storage by using "archives" instead of "records".

Maintain a copy for yourself

Shifts focus to creating a duplicate copy, rather than keeping an original.

Store away for safekeeping

Implies storing something securely for protection.

Document and preserve

Replaces the imperative "keep" with active verbs "document" and "preserve", emphasizing the act of recording and maintaining data.

File away for your future needs

Replaces "records" with the broader "future needs", suggesting a variety of potential uses.

Set aside for your reference

Uses "set aside" to mean store something in a specific location or context.

Secure for your logs

Emphasizes the importance of security and formal logging.

Put aside for personal documentation

Highlights documentation and personalization, changing the sense to personal record-keeping.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "keep for your records"?

Use "keep for your records" when you want someone to retain a piece of information, like a receipt or confirmation, for future reference or potential verification. This is especially useful in formal or official contexts.

What are some alternatives to "keep for your records"?

You can use alternatives like "retain for future reference", "save for your files", or "hold onto for your archives", depending on the context and level of formality.

How formal is the phrase "keep for your records"?

The phrase "keep for your records" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for professional, academic, and official communications, but might sound too stiff for casual conversations.

Is it better to say "keep for your records" or "keep this for your records"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and usable. "Keep this for your records" is more specific, referring to a particular item. "Keep for your records" is more general, suggesting that the information is valuable for record-keeping purposes.