Recordkeeping vs. Record Keeping
“Record keeping” is a standard open noun phrase, “record-keeping” is a standard hyphenated form in attributive use, and “recordkeeping” is also established, especially in American English. Choose a form that matches your variety and house style, then keep it consistent.
“Record keeping” and “recordkeeping” are both established. Use “record-keeping” when your style treats the expression as a compound modifier before a noun.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| closed noun/adjective form | recordkeeping | Use the established closed form when that style is preferred. |
| open noun phrase | record keeping | The open form is also established. |
| compound modifier before a noun | record-keeping | Use the hyphenated modifier when your style treats the compound attributively. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Is the expression being used as a compound modifier before another noun?
If yes: “Record-keeping” is an established attributive styling; follow the governing style.
If no: For the standalone concept, both “recordkeeping” and “record keeping” are established; follow house style consistently.
Caveat: This is a three-form styling and word-class-sensitive choice, not a simple correct/incorrect binary.
Examples
Good recordkeeping supports consistent administration.
The closed form functions as the noun.
Good record keeping supports consistent administration.
The open noun phrase is also established.
The team revised its record-keeping procedures.
The hyphenated form functions as a compound modifier.
Further guidance
Closed Form
“Recordkeeping” is an established closed form, including in American English usage.
Hyphenated Form
“Record-keeping” is also established, especially where the compound modifies another noun.
Open Form
“Record keeping” is the open noun form recorded by Cambridge.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- record keeping (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Current dictionary evidence for record keeping and the hyphenated attributive form record-keeping
- Recordkeeping definition and meaning (opens in a new tab)HarperCollins Publishers · Current dictionary evidence for closed-form American English recordkeeping