Cool MateLog vs Record
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Log
Top 1,000 (very common)C1noun
Record
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| Log | Record | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/lɒɡ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/lɔːɡ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈrekɔːd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈrekərd/"]/ |
| Meaning | A piece of wood that has been cut from a tree, or a record of events. | To write down or save information. |
| Example | The ship's captain kept a detailed log of the entire voyage. | I bought a new record of my favorite artist yesterday. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | cut, sawn, fallen, chop, saw, split, blaze, burn, crackle, cabin, house, fire, detailed, daily, captain’s, keep, maintain, update, book, sheet, entry | formal, official, public, keep, maintain, compile, contain something, include something, indicate something, in the record, in the records, off the record, access to the records, have a record of something, have no record of something, club, course, national, hold, establish, set, stand, fall, book, attempt, breaker, record for, record with, in record time, past, track, distinguished, have, possess, establish, demonstrate something, show something, compare with something, record among, record for, record in, long-playing, LP, gramophone, write, cut, make, company, industry, label, long-playing, LP, gramophone, write, cut, make, company, industry, label |
| Antonyms | discharge, export, erase | erase, delete |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'logged' as a past tense verb., Using 'log' only in relation to trees and not recognizing the meaning of records., Mispronouncing 'log' as 'lag'. | Confused with 'recorded' when discussing past actions., Using 'record' incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb., Mixing up 'record' with 'recall' which has a different meaning. |
| Usage notes | Use 'log' when referring to tree trunks or records of events. Avoid in casual conversations about smaller sticks or everyday actions unless specifically referencing a log book. | Use 'record' when talking about saving audio, video, or information. It's suitable in most contexts, but in casual speech, phrases like 'make a recording' may sound more natural. |
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Frequently asked questions: Log vs Record
What's the difference between Log and Record?
Log: A piece of wood that has been cut from a tree, or a record of events. Record: To write down or save information.
Which is more advanced: Log and Record?
Log is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Log and Record the same CEFR level?
Log: C1, Record: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Log and Record?
Log: noun, Record: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Log: The ship's captain kept a detailed log of the entire voyage. Record: I bought a new record of my favorite artist yesterday.
Can I use Log and Record interchangeably?
Not always. Log and Record are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.