a founding document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a founding document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a key text that establishes the principles or framework of an organization, nation, or movement. Example: "The Constitution is often regarded as a founding document of the United States, outlining the fundamental laws and principles of governance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

There is no canonical way of narrating history, no single way to interpret a founding document.

The New Yorker

Firmin was from Haiti and his study is regarded as a founding document of Pan-Africanism.

Stanford University

The constitution is not so much a founding document as a sort of constitutional preamble to hundreds of pages of rules.But the real problem is not the length.

The Economist

Seldom was a founding document more focused on making it hard for politicians to change the law at times of national panic.

The Economist

Would it not lend prominence to a hate-filled 1,000-page 1,000-pageactomeas a founding documenthatr the crimes of Nacted?

The Guardian - Opinion

A founding document: Part of what will guide French policy on the new AI quest is a report by Cédric Villani, a mathematician and French lawmaker.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Nothing like a found-document-style framing to spice up a novel ― see The Handmaid's Tale or The Princess Diaries!

Huffington Post

The fact is that this manuscript is a real founding document of modern Western culture, a declaration of its possibilities, an exploration of its themes and a display of its tensions.

The New York Times - Arts

Their report, expected today, is likely to kick the complex questions of who should draft a new founding document back to the Governing Council and the occupation powers.

The New York Times

Their report, expected out by Tuesday, is likely to kick the complex questions of who should draft a new founding document back to the Governing Council and the occupation powers.

The New York Times

In 1629, the Massachusetts Bay Colony's first governor, John Winthrop, led the signing of the Cambridge Agreement, a key founding document of the city.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide context when referencing "a founding document" to ensure clarity. Specify which entity or movement the document pertains to, especially if it is not widely known.

Common error

Avoid using "a founding document" to describe documents that are merely influential or important but do not establish the initial principles or framework. If a document is only indirectly related to the foundation, use alternative terms like 'influential text' or 'significant work'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a founding document" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object. It identifies a specific type of document that establishes fundamental principles or frameworks, as indicated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a founding document" is a noun phrase used to describe a seminal text that establishes the principles or framework of an organization, nation, or movement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it maintains a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide context and avoid misinterpreting its scope to maintain precision in your writing. Alternatives include "a foundational document" and "a charter document", offering nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foundational document

Emphasizes the document's role as a basis or cornerstone.

a cornerstone document

Highlights its importance as the foundation upon which something is built.

a fundamental charter

Combines the ideas of foundation and charter, granting basic rights and principles.

a constitutional document

Specifically refers to a document outlining the constitution of a state or organization.

a charter document

Highlights the document's function as a charter, granting rights or privileges.

a seminal text

Focuses on the document's groundbreaking and influential nature.

a primary source

Designates the document as an original or first-hand account of an event or idea.

an originating document

Highlights the document's role in starting or initiating something.

a basic instrument

Suggests the document is a fundamental tool or means for establishing something.

an organic law

Implies the document is a fundamental law establishing the structure of a government.

FAQs

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

You can use "a founding document" to refer to a text that establishes the principles of something. For example, "The Magna Carta is considered "a founding document" for modern legal systems".

What's the difference between "a founding document" and "an influential text"?

"A founding document" specifically refers to a document that establishes something, while "an influential text" is a broader term for a work that has had a significant impact, even if it didn't establish something directly.

What can I say instead of "a founding document"?

You can use alternatives like "a foundational document", "a charter document", or "a seminal text" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a founding document" in informal writing?

While "a founding document" is generally suitable for formal and neutral writing, it can be used in informal contexts when discussing the establishment of principles or frameworks. Consider the audience and purpose of your writing.