a clutch of documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clutch of documents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group or collection of documents, often implying that they are gathered together for a specific purpose. Example: "The lawyer presented a clutch of documents to support her case during the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For the first, parents must produce a clutch of documents.

The New York Times

The Home Office has published the full text of the amended bill today, along with a clutch of documents relating to the proposed legislation, including codes of practice for the various powers.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That summary has been released to the public, along with a clutch of new documents pertaining to the case.

Science Magazine

The room was filled with racks of clothes, tables of bags and a clutch of stylists running around to organize and document the looks.

The New York Times

A clutch of ducklings?

The Guardian

So did a clutch of church luminaries.

The Economist

A clutch of operators has expressed interest.

The New York Times - Food

They won a clutch of Grammys.

The New York Times - Arts

With each city, a clutch of memories.

The New York Times

A clutch of Arab teenagers smoked outside.

The New York Times - Arts

A clutch of French MPs has visited Baghdad, Iraq's capital.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clutch of documents" when you want to convey a sense of urgency, informality, or a collection that's been gathered quickly. It suggests more than just a simple group of papers.

Common error

Avoid using "a clutch of documents" in highly formal or professional settings like legal briefs or academic papers. Opt for alternatives like "a collection of documents" or "a set of documents" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clutch of documents" functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase refers to a group or collection of documents, often implying they are gathered for a specific purpose.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clutch of documents" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a small group or collection of documents. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively uncommon, it is primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts. It's best used when implying a sense of gathering or holding the documents together, but avoid it in highly formal writing where phrases like "a collection of documents" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of documents

This alternative is more general and doesn't imply a sense of being hastily gathered or held together.

a file of documents

This alternative suggests the documents are organized, typically within a folder.

a set of documents

This alternative implies a specific and defined grouping of documents, often for a particular purpose.

a batch of documents

This alternative conveys the idea of documents being produced or processed together.

a bundle of documents

This alternative suggests the documents are physically tied or wrapped together.

a compilation of documents

This alternative suggests the documents are gathered from various sources and put together.

a portfolio of documents

This alternative indicates a selection of documents chosen to showcase something.

a stack of documents

This alternative emphasizes the physical arrangement of the documents one on top of another.

a body of documents

This alternative is more formal and suggests a comprehensive collection of related documents.

an assortment of documents

This alternative implies a varied collection of documents, possibly covering different topics.

FAQs

What does "a clutch of documents" mean?

The phrase "a clutch of documents" refers to a small group or collection of documents, often implying they are being held or gathered together tightly.

What are some alternatives to "a clutch of documents"?

You can use alternatives like "a collection of documents", "a set of documents", or "a file of documents" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a clutch of documents" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a clutch of documents" might sound informal. For formal writing, consider using more neutral phrases like "a collection of documents" or "a body of documents".

How does "a clutch of documents" differ from "a stack of documents"?

"A clutch of documents" emphasizes the act of holding or gathering the documents, while "a stack of documents" focuses on the physical arrangement of the documents one on top of another. The phrase "a stack of documents" implies a physical pile.