records on file

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "records on file" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to documents or information that is stored and easily accessible. Example: "According to the records on file, the company's profits have increased by 10% in the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The startup is working with community colleges, four-year universities, and proprietary schools to build what it claims is already the largest cross-institutional data set in the industry, with over one million student records and more than seven million course records on file.

TechCrunch

Aristotle's technology, which has been used by tobacco and alcohol companies as well as many movie studios, matches names, birthdays and ZIP codes against public records on file.

The New York Times

According to records on file in Kentucky, Trust Management Associates had been founded only 12 days before Collins spoke at the conference.

The New York Times - Sports

According to records on file at the Los Angeles Superior Court's Malibu branch, Mr. Kavanaugh was ordered to pay fines and fees totaling $1,404 and to undergo three months of alcohol education and counseling.

The New York Times

The 12 volumes of divorce records on file at the Broward County courthouse depict a vicious battle in which the couple bickered over everything from who should get the Ford Expedition to the whereabouts of Leyritz's 1999 World Series ring.

The New York Times - Sports

The $700 is the only money the state Republicans have spent at the archives in the past four years, according to financial records on file with the State Board of Elections.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Any individual who has applied for a credit or charge account, a personal loan, insurance, or a job most likely has a credit record on file at one or more of these credit bureaus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The computer hunts for shared characteristics, and then attempts to match the prints to a record on file.

The New Yorker

He ruled that any signed absentee ballots that were rejected solely because they lacked a postmark, or solely because there was no record on file that the voter ever requested such a ballot, should be declared valid votes.

The New York Times

Like any man who can write of himself that "contrary to legend, I was born of mortal woman, and if Zeus sired me, there is no record on file in the Cadet Hospital at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point," Mr. Vidal is quite interested in his own legend.

The New York Times - Books

Using fibre optic technology and electronic control systems, a fingerprint or trace of a liquid can be taken and recorded on file for future reference.

Materials & Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to specific locations where "records on file" are kept, be precise. For instance, use "records on file with the court" or "records on file at the National Archives" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a way that obscures who is responsible for maintaining the "records on file". Instead of "The decision is based on records on file", specify "The decision is based on records on file maintained by the Department of Justice."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "records on file" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adjectivally to modify a noun by specifying the location or state of information. Ludwig AI validates this by showing examples where it clarifies where certain information can be found.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "records on file" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that certain information or documents are stored and available for review. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news, scientific, and business contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. The phrase functions primarily to assure the audience of data's existence and accessibility, often supporting claims or decisions. To ensure clarity, specify the location where the records are kept. While interchangeable alternatives exist, such as "information on record" or "documents available", "records on file" provides a concise and authoritative way to convey that data is officially documented and stored.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

information on record

Similar meaning with a slight change in word order and preposition.

documents available

Focuses on the availability of the documents rather than the act of filing.

data stored

Emphasizes the storage aspect of the data, omitting the filing aspect.

information archived

Highlights the archival aspect, suggesting a more long-term storage.

data in storage

Describes the state of the data being stored rather than the action.

archived data

Focuses on the archival aspect of the data.

registered information

Emphasizes the registration or formal recording of the information.

documents cataloged

Stresses the cataloging or organization of the documents.

official documentation

Emphasizes the official nature of the documentation.

details documented

Highlights the act of documenting the details.

FAQs

How do you properly use "records on file" in a sentence?

Use "records on file" to indicate that information or documents are stored and accessible. For example: "According to the "records on file", the patient has no known allergies."

What's a good alternative to "records on file"?

Alternatives include "information on record", "documents available", or "data stored", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "the record on file" or "records on file"?

The choice depends on whether you are referring to a single record or multiple records. Use "the record on file" when referring to a specific document or item. Use "records on file" when referring to a collection of documents or data.

Where can I find "records on file"?

The location of "records on file" varies depending on the context. It could be at a government agency, a company's database, a library, or any other place where information is systematically stored. Always specify the location, like ""records on file" at the courthouse".