a valuable document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a valuable document" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a document that holds significant importance or worth, either in a legal, historical, or informational context. Example: "The museum displayed a valuable document that outlined the founding principles of the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Dr. Zimpher and Mr. Hayden both said the report was still a valuable document, but unlikely to be acted on immediately.

The New York Times

After Nature may be "prentice work", but it reveals the autobiographical depth and distance from which Sebald's obsessions spring, and as such it is a valuable document.

The Guardian - Books

They recognize it as a valuable document for understanding the history of what we now call the "conversation" about race in America.

The New York Times - Books

Still, it was the only notice Blake got in his lifetime, it's quite long, and it could be a valuable document.

Independent

The report is a valuable document, but regarding the war's terrible final weeks, it is largely an apologia for the army.

The New York Times

Even his critical writing, which is as fantastic, subjective, and lyrical as his early music, constitutes a valuable document of the trend and period.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"And that is going to be a very valuable document".

The New York Times - Arts

For the history of astronomy Proclus' Astronomical Hypotheses remains a most valuable document, since it represents one of the best introductions to Ptolemy's Almagest extant from antiquity and since it explains the most important ancient astronomical theories, in order finally (in chapter seven of the work) to evaluate them critically.

SEP

Utilizing Shodan's popular search engine, the actors scanned large segments of the internet for high-profile misconfigured routers that use a standard port 21 to hijack all valuable documents from compromised machines.

TechCrunch

The Book of Negroes, which the Nova Scotia Museum hopes to post on the Internet, is a rare and valuable document for black history.

The New York Times

Ward Just's review of his experiences in Vietnam (March 19) was a touching and valuable document, useful for those who may not have firsthand recollections of the agony of that war, 25 years ago.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a document's value, be specific about why it is valuable. Instead of simply calling it "a valuable document", explain what makes it so, such as its historical significance, legal importance, or informational content.

Common error

Avoid hyperbole. Saying a document is "the most valuable document ever created" requires strong justification. Stick to factual descriptions of its value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a valuable document" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a specific document, emphasizing its importance or worth, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a valuable document" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a record of significant importance. As Ludwig highlights, it is often used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts to emphasize a document's historical, legal, or informational value. While alternatives like "an important record" or "a key resource" exist, choosing "a valuable document" specifically emphasizes the document's worth. Remember to explain precisely why the document is valuable to avoid vagueness or overstatement. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for varied writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important record

Replaces "valuable" with "important", focusing on the significance of the record.

a significant paper

Substitutes "document" with "paper", implying a formal written work of consequence.

a crucial file

Emphasizes the critical nature of the file, highlighting its importance.

a key resource

Focuses on the document's role as a resource, essential for a particular purpose.

an indispensable report

Highlights the report's necessity and irreplaceability.

a noteworthy instrument

Replaces document with instrument, indicating it is used in performing a task and is worthy of attention.

a precious artifact

Implies the document has historical or cultural value, like an artifact.

a treasured account

Suggests the document is highly regarded and cherished.

a prized chronicle

Highlights the historical recording aspect and that it's highly valued.

an estimable certificate

Focuses on the formality of the document and that it is respected.

FAQs

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

You can use "a valuable document" to describe a record that holds significant importance or worth, such as, "The historical society considers the original treaty "a valuable document" for understanding the region's past."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an important record", "a significant paper", or "a key resource" to express the value of a document.

What makes something "a valuable document"?

A document becomes ""a valuable document"" when it provides crucial information, historical insights, legal proof, or unique perspectives that are considered essential or irreplaceable.

Is there a difference between "an important document" and "a valuable document"?

While both phrases indicate significance, ""a valuable document"" suggests a higher degree of worth, either in monetary terms, historical relevance, or informational content, compared to just "an important document."