Living document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Living document" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a document that is continually updated and revised to reflect changes or new information. Example: "The project plan is a living document that will evolve as we gather more data and feedback from stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Legal scholars say the Constitution is a "living" document.

Independent

"The product plan is a living document," he said, referring to changes in Chrysler's vehicle timetable.

The New York Times

Holacratic organizations ratify a constitution a living document outlining the rules by which circles are created, changed, and removed.

Harvard Business Review

"I think this is a living document and the words are every bit as live today," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Conservatives do not like Mr. Liu's support for same-sex marriage rights, affirmative action and his view that the Constitution is a living document that evolves over time.

The New York Times

The overriding narrative is that we are a tolerant society and are fortunate to be governed by a living document that is flexible as times change.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

As a result, the recordings he made were living documents that sounded alive and fresh.

The New York Times - Arts

At its core the exhibition offers Yeats's papers not as relics but as living documents.

The New York Times - Arts

They are living documents: product and manufacturing engineers update the standards with every vehicle program.

Harvard Business Review

Finally, electronic publishing may offer some solutions for training systems that rely on living documents as the basis of their training.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

The proposed system is envisioned for applications beyond motion picture genres, supporting the creation of living documents used in educational and collaborative project settings.

Entertainment Computing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a plan, strategy, or guideline that requires regular updates, use "living document" to emphasize its dynamic nature. For example, "Our marketing strategy is a "living document", updated quarterly based on performance data."

Common error

Avoid using "living document" to describe finalized or archival materials. This term is best suited for documents that are actively maintained and subject to change. Ensure the context implies ongoing updates.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "living document" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or a modifier. It describes a document that is not static but is continuously updated and revised. Ludwig confirms the validity and usability of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

6%

Science & Research

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "living document" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe documents that are continuously updated and revised. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely accepted and used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using "living document", remember to emphasize the document's dynamic and evolving nature. Consider alternatives like "dynamic document" or "evolving document" for variety. Avoid using "living document" for finalized or archival materials. The phrase is found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times, TechCrunch, and The Guardian, underscoring its reliability and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dynamic document

Emphasizes the changing and active nature of the document.

Evolving document

Highlights the continuous development and refinement of the document.

Adaptable record

Focuses on the record's capability to adjust to changing circumstances.

Work in progress

Indicates that the document is not yet finalized and is subject to ongoing modifications.

Fluid document

Suggests that the document can easily change and adapt.

Mutable document

Highlights the document's ability to be altered or modified.

Iterative document

Implies that the document is developed through repeated cycles of revision and improvement.

Open-ended document

Suggests that the document is not limited by predefined constraints and can accommodate new information.

Unfinished work

Indicates that the document is still under development and subject to further changes.

Evolving framework

Broader term highlighting the changing structure instead of the specific document itself

FAQs

How can I use "Living document" in a sentence?

You can use "living document" to describe something that is constantly updated and revised. For example: "The company's policy manual is a "living document" that is updated regularly to reflect changes in the law".

What is an alternative to saying "Living document"?

Alternatives to "living document" include "dynamic document", "evolving document", or "adaptable record".

Is it appropriate to call the US Constitution a "Living document"?

Yes, the US Constitution is often referred to as a "living document" because its interpretation evolves over time through amendments and judicial review.

What makes a document "Living"?

A document is considered "living" when it is actively maintained, updated, and revised to reflect current information, best practices, or changing circumstances. Unlike static documents, a "living document" is designed to evolve.