document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a written or digital record that provides information or evidence. Example: "Please make sure to document all the steps taken during the experiment for future reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Assange calls the site "an uncensorable system for untraceable mass document leaking and public analysis," and a government or company that wanted to remove content from WikiLeaks would have to practically dismantle the Internet itself.

The Economist

The minister added that mining billionaire Andrew Forrest's review into Indigenous disadvantage was an "incredible document" but the government wasn't ready to implement its most contentious proposal – that all Australians receiving welfare should have their spending managed by government.

The Guardian

A Washington Post article published on Wednesday revealed vague details of a police document that quoted a prisoner who had been placed in the same police van as Gray – though in a separate compartment – as saying Gray had been "trying to injure himself".

The Guardian

There was no white paper or consultative document, let alone a debate in parliament.

The Guardian

When he read the document which lay out the conditions of the loan in the hearing, Paul called it a "pretty silly document" because the loan was unsecured.

The Guardian

Still, the latest judicial document in the ongoing battle, a 337-page justification of the most recent convictions made public on Tuesday, marks a new low.

The Guardian - Opinion

Novak told the undercover employees that he took classified materials from Fort Bragg and would share the materials with them, the document said.

The Guardian

It's a fantastic social document of when you grow up as well: "A feminist's Austin Maxi parked outside/With anti-nicotine anti-nuclear stickers on the side".

The Guardian

"Our generation has the opportunity to stop imagining and wondering and start building the better Scotland we all know is possible," he declared in the preface to the document.

The Guardian

Better Together, which was conscious that the SNP had spent months marshalling the Scottish government's civil service resources behind the white paper, was nervous that the document could present a substantial threat.

The Guardian

Rodriguez was also cited for obstructing the investigation and for violating the Basic Agreement which is the master document that lays out protocol between the Players and Major League Baseball.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a formal agreement or contract, use "document" to emphasize its official and binding nature. For example, "The legal document outlines the terms of the agreement."

Common error

Avoid using "document" when referring to casual notes or personal writings. Instead, opt for terms like "note", "message", or "record" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "document" is as a noun, referring to a written or printed record that provides information or evidence. As Ludwig confirms, it is generally used correctly. It can also function as a verb, meaning to record something in detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "document" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a written or printed record used to convey information, provide evidence, or establish a formal record. As a verb, it means to record something in detail. According to Ludwig, the term is generally correct, and as such, its usage spans across neutral to formal registers, frequently appearing in contexts such as news, formal business settings, and scientific publications. The provided examples from Ludwig showcase its prevalent use in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist, confirming its broad applicability and significance in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official record

Focuses on the official and formal aspect of the information.

written account

Emphasizes the written form of the information.

legal paper

Highlights the legal validity and implications.

report

Implies a more structured and analytical presentation of information.

file

Refers to a collection of information stored digitally or physically.

instrument

Focuses on the legal validity of the information, in the context of contracts or similar.

white paper

A detailed description, usually from an authoritative entity.

text

A more generic term for written or printed material.

proof

A fact, especially in the legal environment

evidence

Emphasis is on using the information to support a claim or argument.

FAQs

How can I use "document" in a sentence?

You can use "document" as a noun to refer to a written or printed piece of information, such as "The historical document revealed new details about the event". It can also be used as a verb, meaning to record something in detail, like "The scientist decided to document the experiment's results carefully".

What are some alternatives to using "document"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "official record", "written account", or "report". Each of these carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "a document" or "an document"?

The correct usage is "a document" because "document" starts with a consonant sound. Using "an" before a word that begins with a consonant sound is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between a "document" and a "file"?

While both terms refer to collections of information, "document" typically refers to a single, self-contained piece of written or printed material, while "file" is a more general term that can refer to any collection of data stored digitally. A "document" can be a type of file, but not all files are documents.