official records

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "official records" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to documents or data that are formally maintained and recognized by an authority or organization. Example: "The court maintains official records of all proceedings and judgments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gravestones are not official records.

The Guardian

On Saturday, Bates's official records were released.

The Guardian

But official records are not as yielding.

The New York Times

Government should move towards "non gendering" official records.

Independent

Looking at diaries, official records, letters, e-mails.

The Guardian

No mention of this episode is included in official records.

The New York Times

Official records of this kind were not kept.

The New Yorker

Rauma was first noted in official records in 1442.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(In official records, miles begin at zero at the battery).

The New York Times

The official records, finally opened to historians in the late 1970s, tell a different story.

Independent

He spent three hours in her presence – no more than that, according to the official records.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to "official records", be specific about the type of records you are discussing (e.g., birth certificates, court documents, financial statements) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "official records" interchangeably with personal accounts or unverified information. Always verify the source and authenticity before labeling something as an "official record".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "official records" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to documents or data maintained and recognized by an authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "official records" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase that refers to authoritative documents or data. As Ludwig AI indicates, the term is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in contexts such as science, news media, and encyclopedias. When writing, it's best to be specific about the type of "official records" being discussed to ensure clarity. While alternatives like "formal documentation" or "public records" exist, "official records" maintains a broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Formal documentation

Focuses on the structured and standardized aspect of the records.

Public records

Emphasizes the accessibility of the records to the general public.

Government archives

Highlights the role of the government in maintaining the records.

Certified documents

Stresses the verification and authentication of the records.

Legal files

Implies the records are related to legal or judicial matters.

Authorized data

Highlights the legitimacy and permission associated with the data.

State registers

Specifies that the records are maintained by a state entity.

Administrative records

Focuses on the administrative or managerial context of the records.

Recorded information

Emphasizes the act of recording and storing the information.

Historical documents

Highlights the age and historical significance of the records.

FAQs

How are "official records" typically used in research?

"Official records" are used to provide verifiable data and evidence in various fields, including history, sociology, and law. They offer a reliable source of information for analysis and interpretation.

What are some examples of "official records"?

Examples include birth certificates, marriage licenses, property deeds, court transcripts, government reports, and census data. These documents are formally maintained by authorized entities.

Are "public records" the same as "official records"?

While all "public records" are "official records", not all "official records" are necessarily public. Some may be confidential or restricted based on privacy laws or regulations.

How do I access "official records"?

Access to "official records" varies depending on the type of record and the governing jurisdiction. You may need to submit a formal request to the relevant government agency or institution, and some records may require a fee or court order.