Off the record means not for publication, just between us. You say it to a journalist or a colleague when you share an opinion but don't want to be quoted: He shared his doubts off the record after the formal interview. Before a noun it takes hyphens: an off-the-record comment.
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speak / say something off the record; an off-the-record comment
- Before answering, she asked whether the discussion could be off the record.
- He shared his personal doubts off the record after the formal interview.
- The reporter declined to use the off-the-record comment in the article.
What changed
First versionShe said that her next comment was off record.
RevisionShe said that her next comment was off the record.
Small words like the drop out of fixed phrases easily: off record. But the expression only works whole: off the record. With the article back, the phrase is correct.
On the record is the opposite: official, and you can be quoted: She agreed to speak on the record. For the record means 'just so you know, to be clear': For the record, I never agreed to this. Change the preposition, and the rules change too.
Your turn
The remark was not intended for publication: It was off ___ record.
Show the answer
the — The fixed form is off the record, with the. Nobody says off a record.
A journalist asks what you think of the new director. Answer in one sentence that starts with off the record.
Off the record, I think the new director needs more time.
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