for the record
Meaning
Used to state something officially or clearly so it’s on record, or to clarify/correct a point.
Origin
From legal/journalistic usage where statements are made “on the record” (intended to be recorded/attributable). “For the record” developed as a set phrase meaning “to be officially noted/clarified.”
Notes
Often introduces a clarification or correction; can sound slightly formal or pointed. Common in meetings, statements, and writing.
Examples
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For the record, I never agreed to that plan.
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Let the record show—he said, for the record, that he was innocent.
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For the record, the meeting starts at 9:00, not 9:30.
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I’m not blaming anyone; I just want, for the record, to clarify what happened.
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She apologized privately, but for the record she still denies any wrongdoing.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed prepositional phrase, typically sentence-initial: “For the record, …”. Also used mid-sentence. Not usually inflected; sometimes paired with “let the record show …”.
Synonyms
- to be clear
- just for the record
- for the sake of clarity
- let it be known
Antonyms
- off the record