Examining the documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Examining the documents" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of reviewing or analyzing documents for information or details. Example: "The team is currently examining the documents to gather evidence for the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Our reporters are examining the documents in real time.

The New York Times

Scotland Yard officers are understood to have begun examining the documents.

The Guardian

However, on examining the documents, Cage said: "The training gives very little actual information other than very general advice.

The Guardian

Social Security numbers have become "a prime tool for illegal activity," in part because the government issues Social Security numbers without rigorously examining the documents offered as proof of identity.

The New York Times

Her lawyer, Raju Bhatt, said he was still examining the documents, but his initial reading indicated Cass had tried but struggled to "undermine" evidence suggesting one of his officers killed Peach.

The Guardian

After receiving the historians' report, Yad Vashem said it had "commenced the process of thoroughly examining the documents," Estee Yaari, the foreign media liaison, wrote in an e-mail.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The three examined the documents over many months.

The New York Times

He said reporters would be allowed to examine the documents today.

The New York Times

Samuel Johnson's biographer James Boswell examined the documents and pronounced them glorious and certainly authentic.

The Guardian

The next move should be for OAS observers to examine the documents retrieved from the rebel camp.

The Guardian - Opinion

Essawi examined the documents, and quickly determined that they were fraudulent: the contracts, the companies, the approvals, the signatures.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "examining the documents", ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspect of the documents is being examined (e.g., for accuracy, for legal compliance, for specific information).

Common error

Avoid phrasing such as "The documents are being examined." Instead, use active voice: "The auditor is examining the documents" for clearer and more direct communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "examining the documents" functions as a verb phrase, with "examining" being a gerund or present participle acting as a verb, and "the documents" serving as the direct object. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "examining the documents" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of carefully reviewing and analyzing written materials. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While semantically related phrases such as "reviewing the documents" and "analyzing the documents" may be used interchangeably depending on the nuance desired, "examining the documents" generally implies a detailed and critical inspection. When using this phrase, it is important to use active voice for clarity and to specify the purpose of the examination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reviewing the documents

Focuses on a general overview and assessment rather than a detailed investigation.

Analyzing the documents

Implies a more in-depth and methodical study of the content.

Inspecting the documents

Suggests a careful and critical observation for accuracy or authenticity.

Scrutinizing the documents

Emphasizes a thorough and critical examination, often looking for flaws or discrepancies.

Going through the documents

Indicates a sequential review, potentially less formal than "examining".

Perusing the documents

Implies a casual or leisurely reading.

Investigating the documents

Suggests a formal inquiry or search for specific information.

Studying the documents

Focuses on detailed learning and comprehension of the materials.

Checking the documents

Indicates a verification process to ensure accuracy or completeness.

Reading through the documents

Highlights the act of reading as the primary method of examination.

FAQs

What does "examining the documents" mean?

The phrase "examining the documents" refers to the act of carefully reviewing and analyzing written materials to understand their content, verify their accuracy, or gather specific information.

What are some alternatives to "examining the documents"?

You can use alternatives like "reviewing the documents", "analyzing the documents", or "inspecting the documents" depending on the context.

How to use "examining the documents" in a sentence?

You can say, "The lawyer is currently examining the documents to prepare for the case," or "The auditors are examining the financial documents to ensure compliance."

When is it appropriate to use "examining the documents" instead of "reading the documents"?

"Examining the documents" is more appropriate when you are not just reading, but also critically analyzing and scrutinizing the content. "Reading the documents" simply refers to the act of going through the text.