Going through the paperwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Going through the paperwork" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of reviewing or handling documents, often in a professional or administrative context. Example: "Before we can finalize the contract, we need to spend some time going through the paperwork to ensure everything is in order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They are not used to going through the paperwork".

The New York Times

An hour later and the student nurse is still going through the paperwork – nothing can be that wrong as the woman is fully alert, with no complaint of pain and talking normally.

The Guardian

Under a new program, McDonald's hopes to obtain certification for its prototype and then build many more restaurants based on that template, without going through the paperwork and expense of certifying each restaurant.

The New York Times

Magistrate Judge Robert N. Block said the IRS "immediately" would have to stop going through the paperwork, return the originals to the company that generated them and not keep any copies.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

You have to go through the paperwork".

The New York Times

The lawyers and everybody will go through the paperwork and produce all the documents that they need to produce".

The Guardian

However, Mohamed Sayeh said a "third party will come from outside of Libya to go through the paperwork".

The Guardian

Why should these stars, with lives already full of privilege, be even more indulged by not having to go through the paperwork that we civilians have to?

Independent

However, an official from the National Transitional Council said this would now be delayed while an outside organisation, possibly the international criminal court, was summoned "to go through the paperwork" surrounding Gaddafi's death.

The Guardian

Standing next to a stack of speakers on All Saints Road, DJ Alistair Roberts of Rapattack, one of 38 sound systems at the Notting Hill carnival this year, went through the paperwork he has to fill out before he can play a single tune.

The Guardian

Officials with Con Edison, the utility that supplies electric service to most of the city, said they were developing a centralized Web site to reduce the cost and time of going through all the paperwork required to install the panels, which currently can take up to a year.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going through the paperwork", ensure the context clearly indicates which specific documents are being processed. Adding details about the purpose or type of paperwork enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions when describing the action. Instead of saying "The paperwork is being gone through", opt for the active form: "We are going through the paperwork."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going through the paperwork" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the activity of reviewing or processing documents, often in a formal or administrative context. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various professional and personal scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "going through the paperwork" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the act of reviewing or processing documents. Ludwig AI validates this, showcasing its usage in diverse contexts, primarily within news and media. While generally neutral to professional in register, it often conveys a necessary step in a process. To enhance clarity, specify which documents are being processed. Alternatives include "processing the documents" or "handling the forms", depending on the specific context. Avoid passive voice constructions for a more direct and impactful statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

processing the documents

Focuses on the action of processing rather than the act of going through.

handling the forms

Specifies the documents as "forms", indicating a more structured or official context.

reviewing the documents

Emphasizes the careful examination of the documents.

completing the documentation

Highlights the act of finishing or filling out the required documents.

managing the records

Focuses on the organizational aspect of dealing with documents.

sorting through the documents

Suggests a process of organizing and categorizing the documents.

working through the application

Highlights a step-by-step progress within the application.

dealing with the applications

Highlights a step-by-step progress dealing with a number of applications.

undertaking the documentation

Focuses on performing the required documentation.

addressing administrative requirements

This phrase implies dealing with the bureaucratic aspects of required tasks, shifting the focus from specific documents to broader organizational needs.

FAQs

How can I use "going through the paperwork" in a sentence?

You can use "going through the paperwork" to describe the process of reviewing or handling documents. For example, "Before signing, I need to spend some time going through the paperwork."

What are some alternatives to "going through the paperwork"?

Some alternatives include "processing the documents", "reviewing the documents", or "handling the forms", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "going through the paperwork" and "completing the documentation"?

"Going through the paperwork" refers to reviewing documents, while "completing the documentation" refers to filling out or finishing the required documents. They are similar but emphasize different parts of the process.

Is it better to say "going through paperwork" or "going through the paperwork"?

Both are acceptable, but "going through the paperwork" is more common when referring to specific documents. "Going through paperwork" is more general and refers to the activity in general.