for the record

The phrase, "for the record," means something like, "This is what I'm saying. Let me make myself clear. You can quote me on this." It is used often when there are different versions of a story or issue and you want to make it clear that this is what you said so everyone will be clear about where you stand. For example, if people are arguing about what should be done and you want it to be clear where you stand you can say something like, "For the record, I think we should do…." You would say this when you really want other people to take note of what your position is. You would say this especially if you thought what everybody else said was wrong and you wanted to make sure everyone knew you thogught differently. You can also use it in the past tense. It is often used in the past tense when something went wrong beause of what was done and you want it made clear that you had nothing to do with it. If the current public official isn't doing a good job you could say something like, "Just for the record, I didn't vote for him." Or if a proposal was implemented and it didn't work out you could say, "Just for the record, I thought we should have done…." Mr. Frost: How's development on our new product coming along. Bob: Well, sir, it is progressing, but there are still some bugs in it. Mr. Frost: Don't forget, we have to ship it by next week. Make sure it is packaged and ready to go. Bob: For the record, sir, I really think we should work out the problems before we ship it. Mr. Frost: Noted. However, we need to ship it by next week or we will lose the contract. The "record" in this phrase is any description of what you said, whether it is someone telling someone else what you said or some record of what you said in written (newspapers, magazines, etc.) or broadcast (TV, radio, etc.) media. Thus, this phrase is often used when reporters are asking someone a question about something important and the person wants to make sure they get what he said right and don't make a mistake in quoting him. It might also be used when there is a meeting where minutes are being recorded and someone wants to make sure the person taking the minutes gets what he said correct. There are other expressions that use the word, "record" in this way. "Let me set the record straight," means, "There is some confusion over what I said or meant; this is what I really said or meant." You can also use the phrase "off the record," meaning, "I'm going to say this but I don't want you to write it down or tell anybody I said it."