a significant document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant document" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a document that holds considerable importance or value in a particular context. Example: "The treaty signed in 1990 is considered a significant document in the history of international relations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Nevertheless, this white paper is a significant document.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I said, 'Rodney, that's a significant document,' " Mr. Campbell said in an interview.

The New York Times

But it is also a mighty act of self-promotion, whereby The Rape of the Lock becomes a significant document.

The Guardian - Books

But even a White House wish list is a significant document, because it expresses the spending priorities of the Administration and the President.

The New Yorker

This explains why the Lib Dem manifesto now becomes such a significant document, though Nick Clegg's party will need to hold at least 20 (if not more) of its 57 seats to be a significant player in a coalition.

The Guardian

This five-page report was such a significant document that in June last year, 50 years after its original publication, the BMJ reprinted the first page on its cover.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The Consensus Plan is a serious and significant document.

Huffington Post

But, and this is unfortunate, the distress threatens to manifest itself not in a relatively harmless (if "significant document," as Archbishop Martin described it) pastoral letter, but in a withholding of support for the poor in the district.

Huffington Post

Never shown before and unpublished, this charter is a very rare and significant document from the reign of the first Romanov tsar.

Columbia University

"The picture is of great importance as it provides a fascinating insight into Van Dyck's working method, and also constitutes a significant surviving document for the artist's lost group portrait of The Magistrates".

The Guardian - Arts

A significant social document, which Erica Jong suggested, after she read the book, be acquired by the Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Columbia University, where her feminist papers are housed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant document" when you want to emphasize the importance or impact of the written material in its specific context. Consider alternatives if the level of formality needs adjustment or a more specific term is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant document" casually. Ensure the document truly warrants the description based on its content, impact, or historical context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant document" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "document". As supported by Ludwig, it denotes importance or consequence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant document" is a phrase used to describe a written work of considerable importance or impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as academic and scientific contexts. Alternatives include "an important record" or "a key paper", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the document truly warrants such a description, avoiding overuse to maintain its impact. The sources analyzed show that the phrase is employed across diverse domains, reinforcing its versatility and reliability in denoting significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important record

Replaces "document" with "record", emphasizing its informational value and relevance.

a key paper

Substitutes "document" with "paper", suitable for academic or professional contexts, highlighting its central role.

a crucial file

Replaces "document" with "file", indicating its necessity or critical function.

a notable report

Substitutes "document" with "report", stressing its significance and making it worthy of attention.

a major piece of evidence

Replaces "document" with "evidence", underscoring its importance in supporting a claim or argument.

a critical instrument

Changes "document" to "instrument", implying it's an essential tool or means to achieve a goal.

a valuable asset

Substitutes "document" with "asset", highlighting its worth and usefulness.

an impactful treatise

Replaces "document" with "treatise", suggesting a formal and influential written work.

a groundbreaking study

Substitutes "document" with "study", emphasizing its innovative and pioneering nature.

an influential charter

Replaces "document" with "charter", implying it's a foundational document with authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant document" to describe any written material that holds considerable importance or value. For example, "The Constitution is considered "a significant document" in American history".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an important record", "a key paper", or "a crucial file".

When is it appropriate to describe something as "a significant document"?

It's appropriate when the document has a notable impact, influence, or historical value. Avoid using it for routine or inconsequential materials.

What makes a document "significant"?

Significance is determined by the document's influence, historical context, the extent of its impact, or its role in critical events or decisions.