recorded for posterity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recorded for posterity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used with a related meaning to "for future generations" - to say that something is being remembered for a long time. For example: The words of the great leader were recorded for posterity, ensuring they would never be forgotten.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will we all eventually have our lives recorded for posterity?

The New York Times - Magazine

On the right: my skidding on slippery rocks is recorded for posterity by four cameras.

Cornell University

Secret conversations at Hitler's headquarters from July 1941 to November 1944 were all recorded for posterity.

Stanford University

But today, of course, even a politician's informal meet-and-greet will be recorded for posterity.

The New York Times - Books

The moment may have been a fleeting one but it was quickly recorded for posterity.

The New Yorker

I was not expecting that the most momentous experience of my life would be recorded for posterity that day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The misdirected movements of everyday life are recorded for posterity, through unwitting subjects not realizing their photo was being taken.

The New York Times

But some files also reveal interim changes Larson may not have realized were being recorded for posterity.

The New York Times

There you have it: hugs and kisses recorded for posterity to go with your strawberries and cream.

The New York Times

(If discouraged, just think how much will have been recorded for posterity after one mere year!) Oops.

The New Yorker

Unlike, for example, YouTube, the videos are not recorded for posterity (though some do end up there).

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs to enrich writing: Instead of "was recorded for posterity", write "Titian dictated these words to a scribe in 1568, a few years before he died; they represent perhaps the only raw emotion he recorded for posterity."

Common error

Avoid using "recorded for posterity" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "saved" or "documented" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recorded for posterity" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject has been documented or preserved with the intention of lasting for future generations. The Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

23%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recorded for posterity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that emphasizes the preservation of something for future generations. As indicated by Ludwig, it is valid and commonly used. While it appears most often in news and academic contexts, it should be used judiciously in less formal settings. When aiming to convey the long-term importance of an event or piece of information, "recorded for posterity" is an effective choice. Consider related phrases like "preserved for future generations" or "documented for historical record" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserved for future generations

Emphasizes the act of keeping something safe and intact for those who come after.

documented for historical record

Highlights the creation of an official account for history.

archived for future reference

Focuses on the systematic storage of information for later consultation.

kept for historical purposes

Stresses the intention behind retaining something for its historical value.

enshrined in history

Suggests a more permanent and honored form of preservation.

immortalized in writing

Emphasizes the act of making something lasting through written words.

etched in the annals of time

Uses more figurative language to describe a permanent historical impression.

registered for future use

Focuses on keeping a record for later application or function.

remembered by future societies

Highlights the act of being kept in memory by future people.

saved for the ages

Uses a more evocative expression to convey long-term preservation.

FAQs

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

You can use "recorded for posterity" to indicate that something is being preserved for future generations to remember and learn from. For example, "The speech was "recorded for posterity", ensuring its message would endure."

What phrases are similar to "recorded for posterity"?

Similar phrases include "preserved for future generations", "documented for historical record", and "archived for future reference". Each carries a slightly different nuance, but all convey the idea of long-term preservation.

Is "recorded for posterity" suitable for all writing styles?

While grammatically correct, "recorded for posterity" is generally more appropriate for formal writing, academic papers, or historical accounts. In casual conversation, it might sound overly formal. Consider alternatives depending on your audience and context.

What is the difference between "recorded for posterity" and "recorded for the record"?

"Recorded for posterity" emphasizes preservation for future generations, while "recorded for the record" focuses on creating an official, often legal or formal, documentation of something. The former is about historical significance, the latter about accuracy and accountability.