official record

USAGE SUMMARY

"official record" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you're referring to an official and authoritative document that has been recorded and preserved. For example, "The official record of the meeting shows that all attendees agreed on the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The raid's official record is sparse.

The New York Times

Those comments echoed the official record.

The New York Times

This footage was the only official record.

The New Yorker

The words were stricken from the official record.

The New York Times

Toomer's official record stands in marked, and sometimes confusing, contrast.

The New York Times - Books

Egan's official record, though, is only slightly grubby.

The New Yorker

His database was part official record, part personal research project.

The New York Times

Soon after, he retired, his official record unblemished.

The New York Times

"There is no official record of them ever being commissioned".

The New York Times

Thus the "official" record becomes an element of his story.

The New York Times - Books

The assembled prints serve as both an official record and historical artifacts.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to information formally documented and preserved, use "official record" to ensure clarity and credibility. This term denotes authority and legitimacy.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on personal recollections or unofficial sources when seeking definitive information. Always prioritize the "official record" for accurate details and verified facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "official record" functions primarily as a noun phrase, denoting a formally documented and authorized source of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and understood in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

32%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "official record" is a commonly used and grammatically sound term that serves to denote a formally documented and authorized source of information. Its frequent appearance across various reputable sources, including news outlets, academic institutions, and scientific publications, underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is appropriate for conveying authority and accuracy, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication. When seeking or referencing definitive information, prioritizing the "official record" is a best practice for ensuring clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official documentation

Synonymous, adding an adjective modifying the noun phrase.

formal documentation

Emphasizes the formality and process of documenting information, changing the structure.

public record

Focuses on the accessibility of the record to the public, specifying a characteristic.

government record

Specifies the source or originator of the record as the government.

historical record

Highlights the record's significance as a source of historical information, specifying a purpose.

definitive account

Shifts focus to the authoritativeness and completeness of the record.

authenticated report

Highlights the verification and validation aspect of the record, changing the structure.

certified document

Emphasizes the certification or validation process applied to the document.

legal document

Specifies the record's relevance and standing within the legal system.

archival material

Shifts the focus to the preservation and storage aspect of the record, using a different vocabulary.

FAQs

How to use "official record" in a sentence?

You can use "official record" to refer to documented and authorized information, such as "The "official record" of the meeting shows that the proposal was approved" or "The historian consulted the "official record" to verify the timeline of events".

What can I say instead of "official record"?

You can use alternatives like "formal documentation", "public record", or "government record" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "official record" or "unofficial record"?

"Official record" refers to documented and authorized information, whereas "unofficial record" implies information that hasn't been formally documented or verified. The choice depends on whether you're referring to validated data or informal accounts.

What's the difference between "official record" and "personal account"?

The "official record" is a formally documented and authorized source, while a "personal account" is an individual's recollection or interpretation of events. The former is generally considered more reliable for factual accuracy.