diff --git a/src/awkward/operations/ak_with_field.py b/src/awkward/operations/ak_with_field.py
index 989554a84d..dce6c0d441 100644
--- a/src/awkward/operations/ak_with_field.py
+++ b/src/awkward/operations/ak_with_field.py
@@ -94,9 +94,7 @@ def purelist_is_record(layout):
             def action_is_record(input, **kwargs):
                 nonlocal result
 
-                if input.is_list:
-                    return input
-                elif input.is_record:
+                if input.is_record:
                     result = True
                     return input
                 elif input.is_union: