remained on file

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remained on file" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to documents, records, or information that are kept stored for future reference. Example: "All applications that were submitted last year have remained on file for review in case any positions open up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Many lawsuits alleging other theories of liability remained on file, however, and these are the ones that are being settled.

Forbes

The jury could not agree about the lesser offence of indecent assault, and that case remained on file.

The Guardian

And though a photograph of Mrs. Durst remained on file with the New York Police Department Missing Persons Squad, the case languished.

The New York Times

"No offences were disclosed to us at the time, but the information remained on file.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Once accepted, they are entitled to remain "on file" for six months or until they've had six lunch dates, however long that takes.

The New Yorker

Their names are posted on the police station wall and will remain on file for five years.

The New York Times

He was cleared of two other charges of indecent assault and prosecutors let another charge remain on file.

The Guardian

Thirteen similar charges concerning several girls on both sides of the Atlantic were ordered to remain on file.

The Guardian - Tech

Despite this, all the charges against him remain on file in India and Mirchi will be arrested and tried if he ever returns.

The Guardian

The thought of what he finally wrote - and what must still remain on file somewhere in Whitehall - occasionally makes me wince.

The Guardian

It's not uncommon for a company to remain on file for a year or more.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being kept on file and where it is stored for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "remained on file" implies permanent storage. Clarify the duration for which the item will be kept if it is not indefinite.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remained on file" functions as a passive indicator that something (a document, a record, information, etc.) has been kept and stored for future reference. It suggests that the item continues to exist in a system or archive after an initial action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remained on file" is used to indicate that data or documents have been stored for future reference. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. Its primary function is to inform about the status of information, assuring it's available for later use. While considered neutral in register, it is well-suited for professional or formal communication. Consider related phrases like "was kept on record" or "was retained in the system" for alternative phrasing. Remember to clarify the storage duration to avoid misunderstandings about how long information will be kept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Was kept on record

Passive voice transformation, emphasizing the action of keeping the record.

Was retained in the system

Focuses on the system where the data is stored.

Was preserved in storage

Highlights the preservation aspect of keeping the file.

Was maintained in archives

Specifies the archival nature of the storage.

Continued to be stored

Emphasizes the ongoing action of storing.

Was cataloged and kept

Highlights the organization and preservation of files.

Was filed away

Focuses on the physical or digital act of filing.

Was logged and archived

Highlights the documentation and archiving of the information.

Was registered and saved

Focuses on registration and saving for future use.

Was documented and stored

Highlights the documentation aspect along with storage.

FAQs

What does "remained on file" mean?

The phrase "remained on file" means that a document, record, or piece of information has been kept and stored for future reference or use. It implies that the item is still available for review or retrieval.

How can I use "remained on file" in a sentence?

You can use "remained on file" to indicate that something has been kept for future reference, as in "The application "remained on file" for six months".

What are some alternatives to "remained on file"?

Alternatives to "remained on file" include "was kept on record", "was retained in the system", or "was preserved in storage" depending on the specific context.

Is "remained on file" formal or informal?

"Remained on file" is generally considered a neutral to professional term suitable for business, legal, and official communications. More casual situations might benefit from simpler wording, depending on the audience.