a seminal document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a seminal document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a document that has had a significant impact or influence on a particular field or subject. Example: "The Constitution is often regarded as a seminal document in the history of democracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In September 1945, the US produced a seminal document called the Strategic Bombing Survey.

The Guardian - Opinion

That conclusion, and the wealth of documentation that Mr. Kertzer has found to give it substance, make "The Popes Against the Jews" a seminal document, and one bound to be carefully scrutinized by both supporters of the thesis and skeptics.

The New York Times - Books

The Hippocratic Oath, a seminal document on the ethics of medical practice, was attributed to Hippocrates in antiquity although new information shows it may have been written after his death.

Wikipedia

In 1999, the National Research Council NRCC) published From Monsoons to Microbes: Understanding the Oceans Role in Human Health [ 5], a seminal document that examined both positive and negative implications of ocean phenomena for human health.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

The importance of including other sciences, engineering, and mathematics in any consideration of undergraduate education in the life sciences was articulated clearly in BIO2010 (National Research Council, 2003), a seminal document stating the need for reform of life sciences undergraduate education so that it truly reflects the rapidly changing nature of the science it serves.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Discussion in court indicated that in it he makes a declaration of the motives that led him to want to pass information to WikiLeaks – making the account a possibly seminal document.

The Guardian

"This becomes the seminal document," said a Toronto bid official, Bob Richardson.

The Guardian - Sport

The memo, which is dated Aug. 1, 2002, was a seminal legal document guiding the government's thinking on interrogation.

The New York Times

The DOI has become a seminal reference document for professionals in the field of organ donation and transplantation to combat organ trafficking, transplant tourism and transplant commercialism.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Those lofty figures, along with the seminal document they brought forth, form a sacred part of our common heritage as Americans.

The New York Times

This seminal document was reinforced and extended through a new conceptual framework for human rights-based family planning., The guidance was in part a reaction to civil society concerns about the ambitious, numerical goals of the Family Planning 2020 FP20200) initiative, launched in London in 2012, which aims to extend modern contraceptive access to 120 million additional clients by 2020.

Global health, science and practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a seminal document" to describe writings that have had a lasting and profound impact on a field, influencing subsequent thought and work. Consider the historical context and long-term effects when applying this label.

Common error

Avoid labeling a document as "a seminal document" if its impact is limited or localized. Reserve this term for works that have demonstrably shaped their field over an extended period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a seminal document" functions as a noun phrase, where "seminal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "document". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a seminal document" is a phrase used to describe a highly influential and foundational written work. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. Although relatively rare in overall usage, it is most frequently encountered in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the document in question has had a demonstrably significant impact on its field and that its influence has been sustained over time. Alternatives such as "a foundational text" or "a groundbreaking work" may be appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foundational text

Replaces "seminal document" with "foundational text", emphasizing the role of the document as a base for future developments.

a groundbreaking work

Uses "groundbreaking work" instead of "seminal document", highlighting the innovative and precedent-setting nature of the document.

a pivotal writing

Replaces "seminal document" with "pivotal writing", focusing on the critical importance and turning-point aspect of the document.

an influential paper

Substitutes "seminal document" with "influential paper", stressing the document's capacity to impact thought and action.

a landmark study

Replaces "seminal document" with "landmark study", underlining the document's significance as a point of reference and achievement.

an original contribution

Substitutes "seminal document" with "original contribution", highlighting the document's novelty and unique input to a field.

a transformative publication

Replaces "seminal document" with "transformative publication", emphasizing the document's role in causing significant change.

a formative piece

Replaces "seminal document" with "formative piece", focusing on the document's role in shaping future developments.

a decisive account

Substitutes "seminal document" with "decisive account", stressing the document's role in settling an issue or influencing a decision.

a revolutionary treatise

Replaces "seminal document" with "revolutionary treatise", emphasizing the document's potential to cause radical change or upheaval.

FAQs

What does "a seminal document" mean?

The phrase "a seminal document" refers to a writing that is highly influential and foundational in its field, significantly shaping subsequent thought and work.

When is it appropriate to call something "a seminal document"?

It's appropriate when the document has had a lasting, profound impact on its field, influencing subsequent thought and work. Consider the historical context and long-term effects.

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

You can use alternatives like "a foundational text", "a groundbreaking work", or "an influential paper" depending on the context.

Is "a seminal document" formal or informal?

The phrase "a seminal document" is generally considered formal and appropriate for academic, professional, and news contexts. It's less common in informal conversation.