no prior record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "no prior record" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as legal situations, background checks, or personal history to indicate that someone has not been previously documented for any offenses or significant events. Example: "The defendant was found to have no prior record, which influenced the judge's decision on sentencing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"He's 52 with no prior record.

The New York Times

He has no prior record for violence.

The New York Times

"This kid had no prior record," Mr. Barbara said.

The New York Times

He had no prior record and says he was innocent.

The New York Times

No prior record existed, so Bibhuti could have easily stopped at a more modest number.

The Guardian

He has no prior record but faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

None of this seemed to trouble Terry McEachern, the district attorney, who pursued the prosecutions with ruthless zeal, seeking and getting staggeringly long sentences -- 20, 45, 90 years -- even for defendants with no prior records.

The New York Times - Books

In addition, episodes of care that started or concluded at the beginning of the study period would have had no prior records in our dataset.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

ESRD patients who were at least 16 years of age and had no prior recorded SAB episode at the time of ESRD diagnosis were included in the study.

BMC Infectious Diseases

The patient in our report was a restaurant manager, had no prior recorded hospital admissions, and was not previously known to be colonized by MRSA.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Patients were identified as incident cases of ED if they had a first time diagnosis of AN, BN or EDNOS recorded in their computerised medical record between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2009 with no prior recorded ED diagnosis.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing a defendant's lack of criminal history in legal or journalistic contexts, use "no prior record" to highlight its potential impact on sentencing or public perception. This phrase carries legal weight and suggests a mitigating factor.

Common error

Avoid using overly formal or complex language when "no prior record" would suffice. While precision is important, prioritize clarity and accessibility for a broader audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no prior record" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, such as 'defendant' or 'applicant'. It indicates the absence of any previous documented history of offenses, incidents, or activities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "no prior record" is a frequently used and grammatically sound expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Primarily functioning as an adjective phrase, it indicates the absence of any documented past offenses or incidents. It most commonly appears in News & Media and Science, carrying a neutral register. When writing, use "no prior record" to emphasize a clean history but be mindful of overuse in favor of clearer language. Related phrases like "clean slate" or "unblemished record" can add nuance. Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for conveying a lack of past issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no previous convictions

Specifically refers to the absence of past criminal convictions.

unblemished record

Emphasizes the lack of any negative marks or incidents.

clear criminal history

Highlights the absence of any criminal activity in a person's past.

absence of a criminal past

Directly states the lack of any criminal involvement.

no history of offenses

Broadly covers the lack of any past wrongdoings or violations.

clean slate

This phrase is more metaphorical, suggesting a fresh start without past issues.

first-time offender

Specifically describes someone committing an offense for the first time.

pristine background

Suggests a completely untainted personal history.

no known history

Suggests a lack of any documented past activities.

never been in trouble

Informal way of saying someone has not had problems with the law or authority.

FAQs

How is "no prior record" used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "no prior record" often serves as a mitigating factor during sentencing. It can influence decisions regarding probation, leniency, or alternative sentencing. It indicates the defendant hasn't been previously convicted of similar or related offenses.

What can I say instead of "no prior record" to emphasize a positive background?

You can use alternatives like "clean slate", "unblemished record", or "pristine background" depending on the context. These alternatives convey a sense of purity and lack of negative history.

Is it always beneficial to have "no prior record" in legal cases?

While having "no prior record" is generally advantageous, it doesn't guarantee a favorable outcome. Other factors like the severity of the crime, evidence presented, and legal representation also significantly impact the court's decision.

What's the difference between "no prior record" and "first-time offender"?

"No prior record" broadly means a lack of any documented offenses, while "first-time offender" specifically refers to someone committing a particular type of crime for the first time. The former is a more general term, while the latter is context-specific.