a preliminary document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preliminary document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an initial version of a document that is subject to further revision or approval. Example: "Before we finalize the project, please review the preliminary document and provide your feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A Justice Department official said this was a preliminary document and the eventual version, issued on Nov. 8, made counterterrorism "the No. 1 goal".

The New York Times

Mr. Myers, the Biotronik lawyer, said that the sales data reviewed by The Times represented a preliminary document that was "replete with inaccurate and incomplete information".

The New York Times - Health

The latest study, a preliminary document released in December, would maintain the current limit of 720 snowmobiles a day in Yellowstone, even though current daily use hovers around 250.

The New York Times - Travel

Yahoo will buy 10percentt of the shares in the Hong Kong initial public offering of Alibaba.com, the business-to-business unit of China's biggest online retailer, according to a preliminary document.

The New York Times

A preliminary document released by the Vatican two weeks ago made it clear that the apology would have limits, that it will be offered on behalf of the church's "sons and daughters," but not the church itself, which is considered holy, the bride of Christ.

The New York Times

"It's a preliminary document saying here are some of the issues which we need to work out," said Brian Mairs, a spokesman for the Association of Private Client Stock Brokers and Investment Managers, the representative body of British private client brokers, who control about one-third of the shares in the London Stock Exchange.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Brown, the HUD spokesman, said the preliminary document is likely a HUD working draft as part of the budgeting process and might not have been reviewed by OMB, which is responsible for finalizing the president's budget proposal before it is sent to Congress.

The Washington Post

Signing even a preliminary peace document in the Demilitarized Zone, people who know Mr. Trump said, would give him an unforgettable moment in a place saturated with history.

The New York Times

A preliminary budget document released in March called for a domestic discretionary budget decrease of $54 billion, with an equal increase for defense, homeland security and veterans.

The Washington Post

According to a preliminary offering document released in Shanghai, it has 23,624 branches, by far the most of any bank in the world.

The Economist

The review of the government's presentation, which is largely contained in a preliminary court document filed last week, suggests that many important facts asserted by prosecutors were discovered after Mr. Zazi was told by a Queens imam on Sept. 10 that investigators were looking for him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a preliminary document", ensure it's clear to the reader that the information is subject to change and not yet finalized.

Common error

Avoid treating "a preliminary document" as the final authority. Always verify information with the finalized version before making critical decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary document" functions as a noun phrase, where "preliminary" modifies the noun "document". It describes a document that is in an early stage of development or review. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a preliminary document" is a common phrase used to describe a document that is not yet final and is subject to change. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, most frequently in news and media, scientific, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity that the information is not definitive and is subject to further revision. Alternatives such as "a draft document" or "an initial document" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a draft document

Replaces "preliminary" with "draft", indicating an early version not yet finalized.

an initial document

Substitutes "preliminary" with "initial", emphasizing the document's starting point in its development.

a working paper

Implies the document is still under development and subject to change.

a provisional document

Replaces "preliminary" with "provisional", suggesting a temporary status before final approval.

a tentative document

Indicates the document is subject to change and not yet firm.

a first-draft document

Specifically highlights the document as the very first version.

a planning document

Focuses on the document's role in outlining plans or strategies.

a briefing paper

Suggests the document is intended to provide background information or updates.

a concept note

Emphasizes that the document outlines the initial concepts or ideas.

a pre-release version

Highlights that the document is not yet officially released.

FAQs

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

You can use "a preliminary document" to refer to an early version of a report or plan, such as: "The committee reviewed "a preliminary document" outlining the budget proposals."

What are some alternatives to saying "a preliminary document"?

Alternatives include "a draft document", "an initial document", or "a working paper", depending on the context and how far along the document is in its development.

Is it appropriate to cite "a preliminary document" in academic research?

It may be acceptable to cite "a preliminary document", but it is crucial to acknowledge its preliminary status and to verify the information with the final, published version when available.

What's the difference between "a preliminary document" and "a final report"?

"A preliminary document" is an early version that is subject to change, whereas "a final report" represents the completed and approved version of the document.