according to the documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "according to the documents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referencing information or statements that are derived from specific documents or written materials. Example: "According to the documents, the project deadline has been extended by two weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(They even shoot each other, according to the documents).

The New Yorker

They were treated well there, according to the documents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Britain sent at least one suspect, according to the documents.

The New York Times

The player rented two hotel rooms, according to the documents.

The New York Times

This was done the following month, according to the documents.

The Guardian

That may very well have been true, according to the documents.

The New York Times

Both were suspended for 10 days, according to the documents obtained by CNN.

Independent

Some judges had identical scores, according to the documents, which F.I.G. contended was "not possible".

The New York Times - Sports

But the F.D.A. rejected that suggestion as overly broad, according to the documents.

The New York Times - Health

He did not see any significant criminal activity, according to the documents.

The New York Times

The Philip Morris official approved strategies, budgets, ad buys and media interviews, according to the documents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "according to the documents", ensure that the documents are credible and accessible to maintain transparency and verifiability.

Common error

Avoid using "according to the documents" as a crutch. Vary your sentence structure and consider summarizing the information directly if the attribution becomes repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "according to the documents" functions as an attributional prepositional phrase, indicating that the information presented is sourced from specific documents. It provides a basis for claims or statements, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "according to the documents" is a common and grammatically sound way to attribute information to written sources. As Ludwig AI points out, its primary function is to establish authority and provide evidence. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase conveys a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. To enhance your writing, ensure the referenced documents are credible and vary your sentence structure to avoid overuse. When using related phrases like "as the documents state" or "the documents indicate", consider the nuances they bring to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the documents state

Emphasizes the direct statement found within the documents.

the documents indicate

Highlights the documents' role in suggesting or pointing out information.

based on the documents

Focuses on the foundation of the information being derived from the documents.

the documents reveal

Stresses the uncovering of new or previously unknown information.

in accordance with the documents

Highlights the alignment and agreement with the content of the documents.

the documents detail

Emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the information provided.

the documents suggest

Implies that the documents hint at something without explicitly stating it.

as documented in

Focuses on the act of recording information in the specified source.

the files show

Indicates that the information is visually presented or evident within the files.

the record reflects

Highlights that documents provide an accurate representation of events.

FAQs

How can I use "according to the documents" in a sentence?

You can use "according to the documents" to attribute information or statements to specific written sources, such as reports, studies, or legal papers. For example, "According to the documents, the company's profits increased by 15% last quarter."

What are some alternatives to saying "according to the documents"?

Some alternatives include "as the documents state", "the documents indicate", or "based on the documents". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it necessary to always cite the specific document when using "according to the documents"?

While not always strictly necessary, providing a citation or reference to the specific document strengthens your claim and allows readers to verify the information independently. It enhances credibility, especially in academic or professional contexts.

What if the documents are contradictory or unreliable? Should I still use "according to the documents"?

If the documents are contradictory or of questionable reliability, it's important to acknowledge this explicitly. You might say, "According to the documents, although their accuracy is disputed..." or "According to the documents, which may not be entirely reliable...". This transparency maintains your credibility.