definitive documentary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitive documentary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a documentary that is considered to be the most authoritative or comprehensive on a particular subject. Example: "The definitive documentary on climate change provides an in-depth analysis of the causes and effects of global warming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Definitive documentary on puppetry pioneers.

The Guardian - Film

In 1995, Schlesinger made a good interviewee in the definitive documentary about gay cinema, The Celluloid Closet.

The Guardian

Mr. Chalfant — who also gained fame along with Tony Silver with "Style Wars," the definitive documentary of hip-hop's early years — hadn't started out to shoot graffiti.

The New York Times

There is a definitive documentary to be made on the history and development of romcoms – and what they say about the relationships of their eras – but, like a disappointing love affair, this was not The One.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We have definitive documentary evidence," said Nicholas Gravante Jr., Ms. Freedman's lawyer, including a copy of a 1995 letter from the gallery to the family members "confirming that they had viewed and authenticated the works Ms. Freedman showed them as being by Diebenkorn".

The New York Times - Arts

Now, Galloway is raising money through the crowd-funding site Kickstarter to make what he says will be "the definitive documentary of the Blair years".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This is not the definitive Journey documentary, but it's the definitive cusp of Pineda's life as a Journey member.

Huffington Post

Three times a week, from the age of 6 to 11, he was beaten by his father with a razor strap, he remembers in John Dullaghan's definitive and engrossing documentary portrait, "Bukowski: Born Into This".

The New York Times

PRINT THE LEGEND is both the definitive 3D Printing Documentary – capturing a technology in the midst of its "Macintosh Moment" – and a compelling tale about what it takes to live the American Dream in any field.

TechCrunch

Now the network is working on what it's calling "the definitive Bourdain feature documentary," which could make it to theaters as early as 2019, Vanity Fair reports.

Vice

Not definitive, just definite.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "definitive documentary", ensure that the documentary is widely recognized and respected for its thoroughness and accuracy. Using this phrase implies that the documentary is the last word on the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive documentary" if the film presents a biased or incomplete view. The term suggests a comprehensive and unbiased perspective, so ensure the documentary meets this standard before applying the label.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive documentary" functions as a pre-modifying adjective ("definitive") combined with a noun ("documentary"). Ludwig AI analysis suggests that the phrase is used to describe a film that is considered the most authoritative or comprehensive treatment of a particular subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this construction accurately conveys a sense of completeness and finality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "definitive documentary" effectively describes a film considered the most authoritative on a given subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While the term implies thoroughness and accuracy, it's crucial to ensure the documentary truly meets these standards to avoid overstating its authority. Alternatives like "authoritative documentary" or "comprehensive documentary" offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. In summary, "definitive documentary" is a powerful descriptor when appropriately applied to a film that provides a complete and reliable account of a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authoritative documentary

Synonymous substitution emphasizing credibility.

definitive film

Shortens the phrase by removing "documentary", still indicating an authoritative work.

comprehensive documentary

Substitutes "definitive" with "comprehensive", highlighting the thoroughness of the documentary.

authoritative film

Replaces "documentary" with the broader term "film" while maintaining the sense of authority.

essential documentary

Replaces "definitive" with "essential" conveying that documentary is indispensable for understanding.

ultimate documentary

Uses "ultimate" to emphasize the finality and comprehensiveness of the documentary.

definitive account

Replaces "documentary" with "account", focusing on the narrative aspect.

definitive chronicle

Replaces "documentary" with "chronicle", implying a detailed historical record.

definitive record

Shifts from a film to a broader idea of a record, implying a source of truth.

benchmark documentary

Uses "benchmark" to suggest a standard against which other documentaries are measured.

FAQs

How can I use "definitive documentary" in a sentence?

You can use "definitive documentary" to describe a film that is considered the most authoritative and comprehensive on a particular subject. For instance, "'Inside Job' is hailed as the "definitive documentary" on the 2008 financial crisis".

What are some alternatives to "definitive documentary"?

Alternatives include "authoritative documentary", "comprehensive documentary", or "ultimate documentary". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

What makes a documentary "definitive"?

A "definitive documentary" is typically characterized by its thorough research, balanced perspective, and wide acceptance as the most complete and reliable source of information on its subject. It often includes extensive interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis.

Is it subjective to call a documentary "definitive"?

Yes, calling a documentary "definitive" can be subjective. While it implies a high degree of authority and completeness, viewers and critics may have differing opinions based on their own perspectives and knowledge. However, widespread critical acclaim and recognition contribute to a documentary being labeled as such.