maintain a log of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain a log of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of keeping a record or documentation of specific information or events over time. Example: "It is important to maintain a log of all the maintenance activities performed on the equipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Students who want their hours to count towards the Public Service Challenge must maintain a log of their hours.

Cornell University

Instead, hundreds of computers around the world have linked up to process transactions and maintain a log of which individual currently owns each Bitcoin.

The Washington Post

(ii) The requirement to establish and maintain a sharps injury log shall apply to any employer who is required to maintain a log of occupational injuries and illnesses under 29 CFR part 1904.

Cornell University

Financial planners and advisors tell people to keep receipts or maintain a log of expenses, but they know almost no one will bother.

Forbes

ICR refers to the requirement placed on ISPs to maintain a log of the web services accessed by users for a full 12 months.

TechCrunch

Calcoolate is a very slick online calculator that uses Ajax to minimize page refreshes and maintain a log of your previous calculations on the main screen.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It maintained a log of all accidents and investigated hospital conditions that might create safety problems.

Columbia University

But there are ways to "audit proof" the deduction, he says in his book — by keeping pictures or diagrams of the home office, for example, and maintaining a log of all the time spent working there.

The New York Times

In compliance with this legislation, Lower Columbia College disseminates Safety Alerts/Timely Warnings to faculty, staff students and the community, produces an annual crime report, and maintains a log of reported criminal incidents.

Columbia University

The system maintains a log of what was served and the venue can ring up a bill at the end of the night.

TechCrunch

In its public response, Facebook noted that it maintains a log of every output of its algorithm and every action taken by its human reviewers.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain a log of", be specific about what information should be included in the log to ensure consistency and usefulness.

Common error

Avoid vague instructions when asking someone to "maintain a log of" something. Provide clear guidelines on what data to include, how often to update it, and the format to use to avoid inconsistent or incomplete records.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain a log of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of regularly recording and preserving information or events in a structured manner. Ludwig AI validates this through its examples showing diverse applications from tracking student hours to documenting system activities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maintain a log of" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the systematic recording of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for a range of contexts, especially in science, news, and academic settings. While alternatives like ""keep a record of"" or ""document"" exist, "maintain a log of" emphasizes the ongoing and structured nature of the record-keeping process. Remember to provide clear guidelines when instructing someone to "maintain a log of" something to ensure consistent and useful records.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep a record of

Replaces "maintain" with "keep" and "log" with "record", simplifying the phrase.

document

Uses a single verb to express the entire action of keeping a record.

keep track of

Focuses on monitoring and following something, similar to keeping a log.

record systematically

Emphasizes the organized nature of the record-keeping process.

chronicle

Implies a detailed and historical record.

catalog

Suggests creating an organized list of items or events.

register

Formal term for officially recording information.

preserve a written account of

Highlights the act of keeping a written record for future reference.

make a written note of

Focuses on the act of writing down information for memory or reference.

compile a registry of

Implies gathering information to create an official list.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain a log of" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain a log of" to indicate the action of regularly recording specific information or events. For example, "Students must maintain a log of their pro bono hours" or "The system maintains a log of what was served".

What are some alternatives to "maintain a log of"?

Some alternatives to "maintain a log of" include "keep a record of", "document", or "keep track of", depending on the context.

Is it better to "maintain a log of" or "keep a log of"?

Both "maintain a log of" and "keep a log of" are correct and widely used. "Maintain a log of" might suggest a more formal or ongoing process, while "keep a log of" can be slightly more informal.

What information should I include when I "maintain a log of" something?

The information to include depends on the purpose of the log. Generally, you should include dates, times, descriptions of events, and any relevant details that will make the log useful for future reference or analysis.