keep a record vs keep record

Both are correct, but they're used in different contexts. "Keep a record" is more commonly used and refers to the act of maintaining a written account of something. On the other hand, "keep record" is less common and is often used in a more general sense.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 25, 2025 • 6408 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"keep a record"

This phrase is used when referring to the action of maintaining a written account or documentation of something.

Examples:

Please keep a record of all the expenses for the project.
It's important to keep a record of your medical history.
I always keep a record of the books I've read.
Can you keep a record of the hours you work each day?
The company policy requires employees to keep a record of their business expenses.

Show examples from the web [+]

It's good to keep a record.
Because I keep a record next to my attendance.
I observe their behaviours in detail and keep a record.
You were to keep a record.
EFTA States must keep a record regarding an individual aid for 10 years from the date on which it was granted.
It is therefore extremely important that we keep a record, a register, so that citizens have a reasonable chance of seeing what documents exist.
They're taking our pictures right now, to keep a record.
Specifically in futsal there are available various tools, and the one named COACH allows you to plan the season, create and share exercises, create training sessions and keep a record in a quick and effective way.
Do you keep a record when you put 'em in?
For example, does the Commission keep a record in its system of whether the absence of returns can be ascribed to the insolvency, liquidation or bankruptcy of funding recipients or coordinators of Community funding?
1. Irradiation facilities approved in accordance with Article 7 must, for each source of ionising radiation used, keep a record showing for each batch of foodstuffs treated:
All we know is to keep a record The rest is the will of the Lord
to keep a record or database of the information set out in point C. of Annex I, to store it and hold it at the disposal of the competent authority for at least three years;
the dealer shall be required, either on the basis of the document accompanying the animals, or on the basis of identification numbers or marks on the animals, to keep a record or data base and to store the following data for at least three years:
But we must keep a record
I've got to keep a record.
You were to keep a record.
I move between the two, and we do keep a record to make sure that I move between the two, so you must just catch me when I am here.
His wife said you had to keep a record for the insurance company.

Alternatives:

maintain a record
document
keep track of
keep a log
keep a written account

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"keep record"

This phrase is used in a more general sense to indicate the act of maintaining or preserving information, without specifying a written account.

Show examples from the web [+]

Opinion: Scorecards keep record of games, and memories. June 17, 20238:01 AM ET. Heard on Weekend Edition Saturday.
In accordance with the 1990 Farm Bill, all private applicators are required by law to keep record(s) of their federally restricted use pesticide (RUP) ...
Feb 13, 2023 ... Applications for catch and keep record certification must be completed and submitted to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Jul 19, 2022 ... US containerized imports keep record pace in June, start strong in July · June containerized import volumes up over 25% vs. same month pre-COVID.
remove outlook attachment but keep record of removed file. Sometimes i want to save a received email but drop out the attachment(s) but keep ...
French strikes keep record crude volumes on the water, crash storage levels. By Rowena Edwards. March 28, 20235:20 AM PDTUpdated 3 months ago.

Alternatives:

maintain record
preserve information
retain data
keep information
store records

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keep a record vs keep record

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