make a record of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a record of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of documenting or noting down information for future reference. Example: "Please make a record of the meeting minutes so we can refer back to them later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Money

"You want to make a record of her personality, her life history.

The Guardian - Books

But the task before us was to make a record of the play.

The New York Times

After Lenin died the Soviet government employed researchers to make a record of every day of his life.

The Economist

Patrol men make a record of every fire and report it to the board and fire marshal.

The New Yorker

Not only does it seek to prevent the communication of "protected information", but to make a record of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

I went to the doctor, who did at least make a record of it, but he did nothing.

The Guardian

If you do complain, always make a record of the date and time you lodged your complaint and who you spoke to.

Independent

Minsky spends many hours composing and improvising, and hopes to make a record of some fugues he has composed in the baroque style.

The New Yorker

Cole has come to Dale Farm to make a record of the lives of those waiting to see if they will lose their homes for k ever.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always "make a record of" important conversations or agreements immediately after they occur. This ensures accuracy and provides a reliable reference in case of future disputes.

Common error

Avoid injecting subjective interpretations or biases when you "make a record of" objective facts or events. Stick to accurate and impartial documentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a record of" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It signifies the action of creating a documented account of something. Ludwig shows its wide usage in contexts requiring documentation, from personal events to official proceedings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a record of" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the act of documenting or noting down information for future use. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, from news reports and scientific studies to personal notes. The analysis shows its prevalent usage in the news and media, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "document" or "keep a log of" exist, "make a record of" maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal situations. When using the phrase, focus on clear and impartial documentation to ensure accuracy and avoid subjective interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

document

Focuses on providing evidence or detailed information.

keep a log of

Implies an ongoing recording of events or data.

take note of

Emphasizes mental awareness and remembrance of information.

put on record

Suggests formally documenting something for official purposes.

register

Highlights entering information into a formal system or list.

chronicle

Implies a detailed and historical account of events.

catalog

Focuses on creating an organized list of items or data.

set down in writing

Emphasizes the act of physically writing something down.

commit to paper

Similar to 'set down in writing' but with a slightly more literary feel.

preserve for posterity

Focuses on keeping something safe for future generations.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "make a record of"?

Depending on the context, you can use "document", "keep a log of", or "take note of" as alternatives.

When is it important to "make a record of" something?

It's important to "make a record of" events, agreements, or data when accuracy, future reference, or legal compliance are essential.

Is "make a record of" formal or informal?

The phrase "make a record of" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

How can I ensure I "make a record of" something effectively?

Be clear, concise, and accurate in your documentation. Include relevant details and organize the information logically.