Going through the papers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Going through the papers" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to the process of examining papers, typically in order to look for specific information. For example, "I need to spend a few hours going through the papers on my desk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Ms. Brooks added: "James was brought up going through the papers in the house.

The New York Times

I'm going through the papers now, and I'll post a round-up shortly.

The Guardian

They're holding a briefing at 1pm. 10.36am: I've just finished going through the papers.

The Guardian

Now, that Sunday, November 15th, I was sitting up here in the apartment going through the papers.

The New Yorker

I'll be covering all these events, as well as bringing you breaking news, going through the papers and brining you the best conference comment from the web.

The Guardian

We like to have plenty of interaction with the callers so it involves going through the papers to find out what's going on in the world and seeing if we can deliver it in a way that will appeal to our audience.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Phil Dee talks about his first experience going through the paper-writing mill.

Science Magazine

First, the accepted paper is copy edited (usually onscreen): This is the process of going through the paper and putting it into the "house" or preferred editorial style of the journal; in addition, any grammatical errors must be corrected and ambiguities or inconsistencies resolved.

Science Magazine

Because you have little trees in the paper that are holding the poem up, and little rivers going through the paper, encouraging the poem to flow.

Los Angeles Times

Previous studies largely have focused on the first appearance of flowers in the spring, but that probably underestimates the true extent of the changes they are going through, the paper says.

Los Angeles Times

While going through the paper of Mathis and collaborators carefully for the purpose of this revision, we have also developed some concerns about their analysis.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going through the papers", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are looking for or what action you are taking in relation to the papers.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "the papers were gone through", which can sound awkward. Instead, actively state who is "going through the papers" for clearer and more direct communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Going through the papers" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the activity of examining documents. As Ludwig shows, it's often used as part of a larger verb phrase to indicate an ongoing action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Going through the papers" is a grammatically correct and usable gerund phrase that refers to the action of examining or reviewing documents. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's often used to describe a process of sifting and sorting through information. While the phrase is versatile and can appear in various contexts, including News & Media, Science and Wiki, it's essential to use it actively and avoid passive constructions for clear communication. Considering alternatives like "reviewing the documents" or "examining the records" can also help to fine-tune the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reading over the documents

Emphasizes the act of reading and overviewing the papers.

Reviewing the documents

Focuses more directly on the act of reviewing, lacking the sense of searching or sifting.

Checking the paperwork

Focuses on verifying the completeness or accuracy of the papers.

Examining the records

Emphasizes a more formal or official inspection of documents.

Working through the papers

Implies the process of doing something with the papers rather than just reading them.

Analyzing the paperwork

Highlights the analytical aspect of understanding the papers.

Perusing the documents

Suggests a more casual or leisurely reading of the papers.

Sifting through the files

Implies a more disorganized or voluminous collection of papers.

Scrutinizing the documentation

Emphasizes a detailed and critical examination of the papers.

Inspecting the materials

Implies a physical examination of the papers, rather than just reading.

FAQs

What does "Going through the papers" mean?

It means examining or reviewing documents, records, or files, often in order to find specific information or to understand their contents. It implies a process of sifting and sorting through the material.

How can I use "Going through the papers" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a task you are performing, such as "I'm /s/going+through+the+papers to find the contract" or "The auditor is /s/going+through+the+papers to verify the expenses".

What are some alternatives to "Going through the papers"?

Some alternatives include "reviewing the documents", "examining the records", or "analyzing the paperwork", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "Gone through the papers" instead of "Going through the papers"?

No, "gone through the papers" implies a completed action (past participle) and requires a helping verb like "have" or "had". "Going through the papers" (present participle) describes an ongoing action or process.