to keep a log of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to keep a log of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of recording information or data systematically over time. Example: "I need to keep a log of my daily activities to track my productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

He used to keep a log of his readings, but quit.

The New York Times

If they need to keep a log of their movements to prove they really live there, so be it.

Independent

To keep a log of her diet, to weed out possible triggers of digestive issues for the baby.

The New York Times

To decide how much time to buy, consumers may want to keep a log of all calls they make over a week or two, he added.

The New York Times

Other suggestions may strike the modern student as anachronistic, such as the novel idea of using an address book to keep a log of one's sources.

The New Yorker

"The landlord might also tell a doorman to keep a log of the comings and goings of a tenant," Mr. Ng said, "or they might hire private investigators".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Patients were asked to keep a log book of these independent practice sessions, recording the time of day and ticking the activities included on the audio instructions.

Brain

Patients were asked to perform at least four capillary blood glucose determinations per day and to keep a log book of insulin and glucose data.

Diabetes Care

Because the electronic pillboxes cannot be carried during daily activities, participants who take medication doses away from home must remove the medication from the device prior to leaving home; participants are asked to either keep a log of medication dosing times when not at home or to send the study staff a text message when they take a dose away from the pillbox [ 7].

BMC Nephrology

Something Benjamin Franklin used to do was ask himself every night, "What good have I done today?" Writing about your day can be a good way to reflect and keep a log of what you've done, as well as transitioning out of your work mode.

Huffington Post

Get URL locations of videos in violation before reporting them to YouTube, and keep a log of the URLs.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to keep a log of" when detailed, ongoing documentation is needed. For one-time recordings, consider using "to make a note of" or "to document" instead.

Common error

Avoid starting a log without a clear plan for consistency. Regularly updating the log is crucial for its value. Sporadic entries render the log less useful and can lead to inaccurate conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to keep a log of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of systematically recording information or events over time. As shown in the Ludwig examples, this phrase is used to describe the act of documenting various types of data, from personal habits to business activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to keep a log of" is a widely used phrase that means to systematically record information over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general documentation. While alternatives like "to maintain a record of" or "to document" exist, "to keep a log of" specifically implies ongoing tracking. To use it effectively, ensure clarity and consistency in your logging practices. By understanding its function and purpose, you can confidently incorporate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to log

Shorter version of the query phrase; to enter an event or fact in a log.

to maintain a record of

Emphasizes the act of preserving information in a structured manner, often for official or legal purposes.

to record

A general term for capturing information in a lasting form.

to document

Focuses on providing evidence or proof through detailed recording.

to register

Implies a formal process of entering information into a system.

to keep track of

Highlights the monitoring and following of something over time.

to chronicle

Suggests a detailed and historical account of events.

to catalogue

Indicates the creation of a systematic list or index.

to chart

Suggests visually representing data or progress over time.

to journal

Implies a personal and reflective recording of experiences.

FAQs

What's the difference between "to keep a log of" and "to keep a record of"?

While both phrases imply documenting information, "to keep a log of" suggests a more systematic and ongoing process, often chronological. "To keep a record of" is broader and can refer to any form of documentation, not necessarily continuous or chronological. You can use "to maintain a record of" as an alternative.

When should I use "to keep a log of" instead of "to document"?

"To keep a log of" is best when tracking events or data over time. "To document" is more suitable for providing evidence or a comprehensive account of something at a specific point. Both "to document" and the main query are correct.

What are some contexts where "to keep a log of" is commonly used?

"To keep a log of" is frequently used in scientific research, business operations, and personal tracking to monitor progress, analyze trends, and maintain accountability. It appears often in the context of News & Media, and Science as confirmed by Ludwig.

How can I ensure my log is useful and effective?

Define the purpose of the log, establish clear parameters for what to include, maintain consistent entries, and regularly review the log to identify patterns or insights. Another option is to use a "journal", it might make the process easier.