set a record

Meaning

This phrase means to achieve the best result, highest number, or fastest time ever recorded in a particular activity. It is frequently used in sports, music sales, box office performance, and general achievements. Once a record is set, it becomes the new standard for others to beat.

Examples

• The new superhero movie set a record for the biggest opening weekend in history.

  The new superhero movie set a record for the biggest opening weekend in history.

• She hopes to set a record for the fastest marathon run by a teenager.

  She hopes to set a record for the fastest marathon run by a teenager.

• The concert sold out in under three minutes, which set a record for the venue.

  The concert sold out in under three minutes, which set a record for the venue.

• The swimmer set a new world record during the Olympic finals.

  The swimmer set a new world record during the Olympic finals.

• Our company set a record for the highest quarterly sales this year.

  Our company set a record for the highest quarterly sales this year.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The runner made a new record in the 100-meter dash.

  ✓ The runner set a new record in the 100-meter dash.

  The correct verb collocation is 'set a record' or 'break a record', not 'make a record'.

• ✗ The movie did a record for ticket sales.

  ✓ The movie set a record for ticket sales.

  'Do a record' is incorrect English. Always use 'set' when establishing a new peak achievement.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The pop star's new album is expected to ___ for the most streams in a single day.

  💡 Establish a new peak or highest number.

  Show answer

  set a record

• He trained for months in order to ___ at the local weightlifting competition.

  💡 Achieve the best result ever.

  Show answer

  set a record