to record something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to record something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of capturing information, data, or events for future reference. Example: "I need to record something important during the meeting to ensure I don't forget it later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"The camera was used to record something that happened so it could be remembered.

The New York Times

You can also add notes, photos and video to specific GPS location tags to record something memorable.

The New York Times - Tech

It is difficult to record something so introverted, but I think Schubert is one of the great geniuses.

The Guardian - Music

"He'd come to record something," Dulli remembers, "and I'd refuse to leave the house till I had some cocaine.

The Guardian - Music

I'm the girl who can build a simple website in a day but still can't work out how to record something on the Sky box.

The Guardian

But things like, when a total stranger says: "I want you to record something for my forthcoming wedding," that can be a bit tiresome.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"He invented modern production: the idea that you could use the studio as an instrument, to look at it as a place to experiment in, you don't have to just record something au naturel.

The Guardian - Music

But the idea is to actually record something proper over the summer when we get a chance".

The Guardian - Music

Neither was sure he would do it, but they wanted to have the track ready so that if Drake were to come into the studio he could listen to it, and record something on the spot.

The New Yorker

According to Aleko... "'Hold On Me' is easily the fastest I have ever written a song, having done so the day before I was scheduled to go and record something else entirely.

Huffington Post

"He emailed me and said, 'You guys need to take this seriously and record something,'" Paris Strother recalled.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to record something", consider the context and choose the most appropriate medium (e.g., audio, video, written notes) to effectively capture the information.

Common error

Avoid using "to record something" without clarifying how the recording will be done. Be specific: will it be a video, an audio recording, or written notes?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to record something" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or expressing purpose. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to record something" is a grammatically sound and commonly used infinitive phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed to express the action of capturing information or events, primarily for future reference. It frequently appears in News & Media contexts and carries a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of writing scenarios. When using the phrase, it's essential to specify the method of recording (audio, video, notes) to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to document an event

Focuses on creating a detailed account of an occurrence.

to capture a moment

Emphasizes seizing a fleeting instant in time, often visually.

to register an occurrence

Highlights formally noting or logging an event.

to tape a performance

Specifically refers to audio or video recording of a live act.

to film a scene

Implies creating a visual record of an action.

to chronicle a situation

Suggests a comprehensive and historical account of events.

to memorialize an experience

Centers on creating a lasting tribute to a significant event.

to preserve an artifact

Focuses on maintaining the condition of a physical object for future study.

to log data

Highlights the systematic recording of information.

to save information

Emphasizes retaining knowledge for later use.

FAQs

How can I use "to record something" in a sentence?

You can use "to record something" in a sentence to describe the act of capturing information or an event. For example, "I need "to record something" important during the meeting so I don't forget it later."

What are some alternatives to "to record something"?

Alternatives to "to record something" include phrases like "to document something", "to capture something", or "to log something", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "to record something" and "to document something"?

"To record something" generally refers to capturing audio, video, or data, while "to document something" implies creating a written record or detailed account.

Is it better to say "record something" or "to record something"?

Using "to" indicates the infinitive form, which is grammatically correct when used as part of a larger verb phrase. "Record something" can be used as an imperative (command). For example, "I want "to record something"" versus "Record something now!"