preserved for posterity

USAGE SUMMARY

"preserved for posterity" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that something has been saved so that it can be kept safe for future generations or remembered for a long time. For example, "The works of this great artist have been preserved for posterity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

— and preserved for posterity on DVD.

The New York Times - Arts

"These letters have been preserved for posterity.

The Guardian - Books

It must be preserved for posterity, even if you and I alone know the secret".

The New York Times - Books

And the Internet has preserved for posterity every last lie, malapropism or triumph of nonsense.

The New York Times

The consolation prize is recognition, their story being preserved for posterity.

The Guardian - Music

Like most jazz pianists near his stature Mr. Hersch has history with the club, some of it preserved for posterity.

The New York Times - Arts

He was the first president to have his voice preserved for posterity: in an 1889 wax phonograph recording.

Independent

They did exactly what they needed to do to make sure the images were preserved for posterity.

The New York Times

The unwanted messages sent Twitter into a Sunday-night tailspin and were preserved for posterity in screenshots.

Independent

Thank heavens the bon mots and insights of Teddy and his golden circle will be preserved for posterity.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there's a reason those 1980s pieces ended up in resale shops as opposed to preserved for posterity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preserved for posterity", ensure the subject of your sentence is something of significant historical, cultural, or scientific value. This phrase implies a lasting impact on future generations.

Common error

Avoid using "preserved for posterity" for everyday items or events that lack substantial historical or cultural importance. It's better suited for subjects with enduring value.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "preserved for posterity" is as a participial phrase acting as a post-modifier. It describes a noun, indicating that it has been kept safe or maintained for future generations. Ludwig shows this phrase is widely used in this descriptive manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preserved for posterity" is a grammatically sound phrase that signifies saving something important for future generations. Ludwig confirms its frequent and correct usage across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While variations exist, like "saved for future generations", the core meaning remains consistent. Use the phrase thoughtfully, reserving it for items or events with lasting historical, cultural, or scientific significance to ensure its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

saved for future generations

Focuses on the beneficiaries of the preservation.

archived for historical record

Emphasizes the historical significance of the preserved item.

retained for historical significance

Stresses the importance of the past.

kept for future reference

Highlights the practical aspect of saving something.

immortalized for future times

Adds a sense of timelessness to the preservation.

recorded for prosperity

Focuses on leaving a legacy.

left as a legacy

Implies leaving behind something valuable to be remembered.

maintained for future study

Highlights the academic or research value.

enshrined for remembrance

Emphasizes honoring and remembering something significant.

conserved for future appreciation

Highlights the value and enjoyment of something over time.

FAQs

How can I use "preserved for posterity" in a sentence?

Use "preserved for posterity" to describe something being saved or maintained for future generations due to its significance. For example, "These historical documents were "preserved for posterity" in the national archives."

What are some alternatives to "preserved for posterity"?

Alternatives include "saved for future generations", "archived for historical record", or "kept for future reference", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "saved for posterity" instead of "preserved for posterity"?

Yes, "saved for posterity" is a correct and semantically similar alternative to "preserved for posterity". Both phrases convey the idea of keeping something safe for future generations.

What kind of items are typically "preserved for posterity"?

Items typically "preserved for posterity" include historical documents, works of art, significant cultural artifacts, scientific discoveries, and anything deemed important for future generations to understand or appreciate.