make a record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a record" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of registering or documenting something. For example, "To ensure accuracy, we should make a record of the transaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now I want to make a record".

The New York Times

Let's go make a record".

The New Yorker

"How do I make a record?

The New York Times - Arts

Don't feel you can't make a record.

The Guardian - Music

Nevertheless, this band should make a record.

The New York Times - Arts

"Make a record well and it sounds fabulous", he says.

Independent

"It did make a record, but it wasn't very useful".

The New York Times - Science

When we make a record, I don't listen to anything.

The New York Times - Arts

"And I wanted to make a record of his performance.

The New York Times

"I wanted to make a record like that.

The New York Times

If you are robbed, make a record of what happened.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal settings, use "make a record" when you want to emphasize the act of documenting something officially, such as minutes of a meeting or an official statement.

Common error

Avoid using "make a record" when you simply mean to remember something. Instead of saying "Make a record of the time," consider using "note the time" or "remember the time" to convey the meaning of memorization rather than formal documentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a record" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of creating a tangible or intangible record, whether it's a musical recording or a written document. Ludwig provides examples illustrating both senses. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

21%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a record" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase with multiple meanings, primarily referring to creating a musical recording or documenting information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in strictly professional settings. The phrase is common in news, scientific, and general writing. Mastering its usage involves being specific about the context and choosing appropriate alternatives when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

produce a recording

Emphasizes the creation of an audio or video recording.

create a log

Focuses on creating a written account of events or observations.

keep a diary

Emphasizes the personal and regular documentation of experiences.

document the process

Focuses on writing down the steps and activities followed.

chronicle the events

Emphasizes recording events in chronological order.

draw up a document

Highlights the formal creation of an official or legal record.

commit to tape

Highlights the act of recording something permanently.

register an account

Focuses on the act of formally registering or documenting something.

cut a disc

Implies creating a physical music record.

lay down a track

Focuses specifically on recording a music track.

FAQs

What does "make a record" mean?

The phrase "make a record" can refer to creating a musical recording or documenting information. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it's used.

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

You can use "make a record" in sentences such as, "The band is going to "produce a recording" this summer," or "It's important to "create a log" of all transactions."

What are some alternatives to "make a record" when referring to documentation?

Alternatives include "keep a diary", "document the process", or "register an account", depending on the context.

Is "make a record" formal or informal?

The formality of "make a record" depends on the context. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, although more precise language might be preferred in highly formal contexts.