For the record | WordReference Forums

For the record

    • Hi Antonio,

    It's used when people want to say something just to make it absolutely clear and avoid any misunderstanding, i.e. so that "the record" (either real or imaginary) shows the truth.

    e.g.
    We've done very well. For the record, I think we have had 5,000 hits since the website started.
    I know that there have been a lot of rumours flying around, but just for the record, I didn't sleep with her!
     
    What I am about to say can be taken as the truth and it is correct information.

    For the record, I am 89 years old.

    (That's not close to the truth. Ha,ha)

    People use this term when they want to emphasize that they mean what they are saying. Others may have a different understanding. Let's wait and see...
     
    No, it wouldn't have anything to do with remembering.
    I can see that you might be making an association with "recordarse":) , but the phrase in English is just to clarify something to those you are speaking to.

    T.
     
    Also, "for the record" is used to offset information that is not important. In this context it has the same meaning as "if you wanted to know" or "by the way".

    Bob: Did you have fun on your vacation?
    Jane: Yes, it was great. I went to Hawaii, for the record. (== Bob doesn't really care where Jane went, he only asked if she had a good time)
     
    It may also relate to law or journalism, where a person is ready to stand by a statement and therefore want it to be officially made part of the permanent record, "for, or on the record" - or not (then it would be unofficial, still deniable, or "off the record").
     
    "For the record" and "on the record" has the same meaning or not? Which of these two phrases is more common nowadays? So, if I want to spice up a little bit the vocabulary instead of "By the way" I can say "For the record", right?
     
    Nick's dictionary entry for "For the record":
    Definition 1: A true statement that is given clearly and plainly; stated for official documents or for a court of law, etc.
    Similar: "On the record", "Let the record show that", "In truth"
    "For the record, I have never been to jail"​

    Definition 2: Stated as a casual or offhand remark, such as giving information that is not important or giving an answer that was not specifically asked for
    Similar: "In case you were wondering", "If you wanted to know", "By the way", "Did you know that" (as a question)
    "For the record, I visited my niece in the hospital"​

    Definition 1 of "for the record" has the same meaning as "on the record". If you are talking about something official (like if you are in court) then both "for the record" and "on the record" are the same.

    You can use "for the record" to mean "by the way", but this is not that common. Most people just say "by the way" or "in case you were wondering".
     
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