Meaning & use
on the books
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Officially recorded and in force, especially of a law or rule that formally exists.
Grammar: Used after the verb 'be' or after 'put' or 'remain'. It often implies the law may not be actively enforced.
Patterns
- be on the books
- remain on the books
- put something on the books
The old law is still on the books, but nobody follows it.
Many states have similar rules on the books.
The city put a new tax on the books last year.
phrasefixed phrase
Listed on an organization's official records, such as an employee or customer.
Grammar: Used after 'be' or 'keep' when talking about records of people or accounts.
Patterns
- be on the books
- keep someone on the books
- have someone on the books
She has been on the books as a volunteer for five years.
The company keeps him on the books even though he rarely works.
There are still a few clients on the books from last year.
Common combinations
- be on the books
- The regulation is still on the books.
- remain on the books
- The outdated rule remains on the books.
- put something on the books
- They put the new policy on the books quickly.
- still on the books
- That old law is still on the books.
Synonyms and how they differ
- in force
- In force means currently active and enforceable; on the books only means officially recorded, and may not be enforced.
- on record
- On record means officially written down or stated; on the books often refers to laws or membership lists.
Opposites
Commonly confused: on the books or off the books?
on the books vs off the books
Off the books means not officially recorded, often used for secret or illegal payments; on the books means officially recorded.
Practice
What does it mean if a law is 'on the books'?
Choose one answer.
'On the books' means the law is officially recorded and still exists, even if it may not be enforced. It does not mean it has been removed, and it is not about a literal book.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “on the books”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.