an evolving document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an evolving document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a document that is subject to change and development over time, often in contexts like policy, guidelines, or project plans. Example: "The project proposal is an evolving document that will be updated as new information becomes available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"It's an evolving document," Mr. Brugmann said, noting that the ordinance had already been strengthened once, 1999.

The New York Times

"I don't want to say this is an evolving document, but in some of these nuances, different arguments can be made," he said.

The New York Times

And, Jackson Colaco added, the guidelines are an evolving document that will change as the service gets feedback from its users.

The Washington Post

Mr. Readdy called the plan an "evolving document" that would change as NASA learned more about the process and incorporated material that is expected to emerge from the Columbia Accident Investigation Board and Congressional inquiries into the disaster.

The New York Times

Ha! Well, it was here at this table [in Ms Yaqoob's Birmingham front room] that I wrote the Principles of Unity, but that's supposed to just be a draft, an evolving document.

The Guardian

Lawrence S. Schwartz, an authority board member and former top aide to Mr. Cuomo, called the capital plan an "evolving document," and he said it could be amended again based on the results of a global competition Mr. Cuomo proposed on Tuesday to solicit ideas for improving the subway, including finding new ways to upgrade the signals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In addition, since the system maintains a user-browsable version structure of the evolving document that incorporates AID tag information, any user collaborating in the authoring of a document can easily visualize the historical evolution and current context of the document.

Journal of Systems and Software

The evolving document is doing its job if it becomes the catalyst for such discussion.

Harvard Business Review

They showed the evolving document to some of their parents and to people outside their D.C. bubble, asking, "Does this make sense?

The New Yorker

The report was agreed after almost a week of intense discussions here in Yokohama, which included concerns among some authors about the tone of the evolving document.

BBC

This 21st century sense of cultural literacy should be an organic, ever-evolving document.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an evolving document" when referring to a plan, guideline, or strategy that is expected to change and adapt over time based on new information or feedback.

Common error

Avoid treating "an evolving document" as if it were a finished product. Clearly communicate that revisions and updates are anticipated to manage expectations and encourage ongoing feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an evolving document" functions as a noun phrase, where "evolving" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "document". As Ludwig AI states, it describes a document that is not static but is in a state of development or change.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

17%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an evolving document" is a phrase used to describe a document that is not static but changes and develops over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts. Its frequency is common, with usage primarily found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to manage expectations by emphasizing its dynamic nature and encouraging ongoing feedback. Alternatives include "a dynamic document" or "a living document".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dynamic document

Emphasizes the active and changing nature of the document.

a developing document

Simply states that the document is currently in the process of development.

a work in progress

Highlights that the document is not yet finished and is still being developed.

a living document

Suggests the document is constantly updated and maintained.

a flexible document

Implies the document is adaptable to changing needs and circumstances.

an adaptable document

Highlights the document's ability to be modified to suit different purposes.

an iterative document

Focuses on the cyclical process of development and revision.

a fluid document

Implies the document is adaptable and easily modified.

a revisable document

Focuses on the document's capacity for revision and updates.

a mutable document

Highlights the document's ability to be changed or altered.

FAQs

How can I use "an evolving document" in a sentence?

You can use "an evolving document" to describe plans, guidelines, or strategies that are subject to change. For example, "The company's sustainability plan is "an evolving document", updated annually to reflect new environmental challenges and opportunities."

What is a synonym for "an evolving document"?

Alternatives to "an evolving document" include "a dynamic document", "a living document", or "a work in progress". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to refer to something as "an evolving document"?

It's appropriate to use "an evolving document" when discussing something that is not yet finalized and is expected to be updated or revised as new information or circumstances arise.

What's the difference between "an evolving document" and "a final document"?

"An evolving document" is subject to change and revision, while "a final document" is considered complete and not expected to change unless explicitly revised through a formal amendment process.