on record

USAGE SUMMARY

"on record" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is most commonly used to refer to something that has been formally documented or reported. For example: "The company performed the most successful financial quarter on record."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You find yourself on record one and nail it on record two.

Independent

But no one will go on record.

Harvard University

Get them on record.

The New York Times

"We're putting it on record".

The New Yorker

Continue reading: The hottest years on record.

The Economist

None had any prior arrests on record.

The New York Times - Sports

It is almost the worst on record.

The New York Times

This is the highest proportion on record.

Independent

Russia experienced its hottest summer on record.

Encyclopedia Britannica

2011 was the wettest spring on record.

The New York Times - Science

("Outbreak could be the worst on record").

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on record" when you want to emphasize that a statement or piece of information is officially documented and can be referred to later.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "on record" with "off the record". "Off the record" means something is not meant to be publicly disclosed or documented, the opposite of "on record".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on record" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is formally documented or publicly stated. As shown by Ludwig, it often highlights that a statement is official and can be referenced later.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on record" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that information or a statement has been officially documented. As Ludwig confirms, it is frequently used in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using "on record", ensure that you want to emphasize the formal, documented nature of the information. Be mindful to not confuse it with "off the record", which has the opposite meaning. This makes "on record" a versatile and useful phrase for clear and accountable communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the record

Similar in meaning, often used to introduce a statement that should be noted.

part of the official record

Explicitly states that something is included in the formal documentation.

officially documented

Focuses on the official nature of the documentation, highlighting the formal aspect.

formally stated

Emphasizes the formal declaration of information.

publicly declared

Highlights that the information has been made available to the public.

in the archives

Indicates that the information is stored in official records.

down in writing

Emphasizes the act of documenting information in written form.

entered into the minutes

Specifically refers to the inclusion of information in meeting records.

in the books

Indicates that something is officially recorded or accounted for.

in black and white

Highlights the documented, undeniable nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "on record" to indicate that a statement is officially documented. For example: "The CEO is "on record" as saying profits will increase."

What's the difference between "on record" and "off the record"?

"On record" means that a statement is officially documented and public, while "off the record" means it is not meant for public release.

What are some synonyms for "on record"?

Alternatives include "officially documented", "formally stated", or "publicly declared", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "on record" in writing?

Use "on record" when you want to highlight that a statement or piece of information is officially documented and available for reference. This is common in news reports, legal documents, and formal communications.