a dossier of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dossier of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a collection of documents or information about a particular subject or individual. Example: "The investigator compiled a dossier of evidence to support the case against the suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She has a dossier of materials on the murder.

The New Yorker

It released a dossier of evidence to Pakistan and other governments.

The Economist

The National Union of Journalists also submitted a dossier of 70 pieces of testimony.

Independent

Mr Zen-Ruffinen has compiled a dossier of allegations against Mr Blatter.

The Economist

The paper prepares a dossier of evidence for the police complaints watchdog.

The Guardian

The findings are contained in a dossier of evidence presented today by the Countryside Alliance.

The Guardian

They disclosed a dossier of alleged violations of due process in the Yukos case.

The Guardian

The Bush administration will shortly publish a dossier of charges of alleged Iranian subversion in Iraq.

The Guardian

The White House assiduously was collecting a dossier of Mr. Huntsman's cables and statements to prepare an assault.

The New York Times

Russia denies that it is arming the rebels or sending troops to eastern Ukraine, despite a dossier of Nato evidence.

Independent

He also created a dossier of staged interviews to show his bosses that Mr. Taylor was too valuable to indict.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dossier of" when you want to convey a sense of thoroughness and potentially sensitive or important information. It's more formal than "a collection of" and suggests a curated set of documents.

Common error

Avoid using "a dossier of" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "collection" or "file" when the context doesn't require a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dossier of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, modifying another noun. It indicates a collection or compilation of documents or information pertaining to a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms that "a dossier of" follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a dossier of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, predominantly found in news and media. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of formality and thoroughness. It's best employed when referring to a curated collection of documents or information, particularly in contexts requiring a neutral or professional tone. While alternatives exist, such as "a collection of documents" or "a compilation of data", "a dossier of" carries a specific weight that makes it suitable for more formal and potentially sensitive situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of documents

Emphasizes the assembled nature of the information, focusing on physical documents.

a file of information

Similar to "dossier" but less formal, implying a structured collection of information.

a compilation of data

Highlights the process of gathering and arranging data, suitable for more technical contexts.

a body of evidence

Specifically refers to evidence, often in legal or investigative contexts.

a set of records

Implies official or historical information, often organized systematically.

an archive of materials

Suggests a curated collection, often of historical or significant items.

a portfolio of reports

Applicable when the collection consists of reports, highlighting their individual nature.

a store of knowledge

Focuses on the knowledge contained within the collection, rather than the physical documents.

a register of facts

Implies a formal, organized list of facts or data points.

a compendium of details

Conveys a comprehensive and detailed collection of information.

FAQs

What does "a dossier of" mean?

The phrase "a dossier of" refers to a collection of documents or information about a particular person, event, or subject, often compiled for a specific purpose such as investigation or review.

When is it appropriate to use "a dossier of" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "a dossier of" in formal writing, such as news reports, academic papers, or legal documents, where you need to convey a sense of thoroughness and importance.

What can I say instead of "a dossier of"?

You can use alternatives like "a collection of documents", "a compilation of data", or "a file of information" depending on the context.

Is "a dossier on" grammatically correct as an alternative to "a dossier of"?

While "a dossier on" might be understood, "a dossier of" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing when referring to a collection of documents or information. 'On' is commonly used in the context of a subject, but 'of' implies containing a set of documents.