document in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "document in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific document that is being discussed or examined. Example: "The findings in the document in question have raised several important issues that need to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The document in question is referred to in the law as the "Renewable Electricity Transmission Study".

The New Yorker

We have not seen the document in question and we were not party to it.

Independent

"In my opinion, the document in question was produced much later" than 2006, he wrote.

The New Yorker

In traditional search, the principal evidence considered was the main text of the document in question.

Cornell University

As troubling as this is, the fact is that Mr. Bacanovic was acquitted of altering the document in question.

The New York Times

But sources close to Mr Davey rubbished the allegations, saying that Mr Davey had never even seen the document in question, which was at a very early stage.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mo said the documents in question were rules for government agencies in handling petitions from citizens.

The Washington Post

Mr. Hanft said he had not seen the documents in question and could not comment on them directly.

The New York Times

The U.C.S. rejected his requests multiple times until, on July 13th, Smith issued a subpoena demanding the documents in question.

The New Yorker

Technically, this model scales texts into a multidimensional set of topics that reflect underlying themes of the documents in question.

The Washington Post

The documents in question are often referred to as the Downing Street documents, because they include a revealing record of a meeting at No 10 in July 2002.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "document in question" when you need to refer back to a specific document that has already been introduced in the conversation or writing. This avoids ambiguity and keeps your writing clear.

Common error

Avoid using "document in question" in very simple or informal contexts where a more direct reference, such as "this document" or "the document", would suffice. Using the longer phrase in those cases can sound overly formal or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "document in question" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a post-modifier, specifying which document is being referred to. It serves to identify a particular document within a given context, avoiding ambiguity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

11%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "document in question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to refer back to a specific document in various contexts, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, it serves to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. While acceptable in formal writing, overuse in simple contexts should be avoided. Alternatives include "paper in question", "file in question", and "report in question", offering flexibility depending on the specific context. When writing, ensure the reference is clear and that the phrase fits the formality of the piece.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paper in question

Replaces "document" with "paper", implying a less formal or official piece of writing.

file in question

Substitutes "document" with "file", suggesting a digital or organized collection of information.

report in question

Uses "report" instead of "document", indicating a more structured and informative text.

item in question

Replaces "document" with "item", broadening the scope to include any tangible object.

matter in question

Substitutes "document" with "matter", referring to the subject or issue being discussed.

the subject at hand

Replaces the entire phrase, focusing on the topic currently being considered.

the aforementioned document

More formal way to refer to a document already mentioned.

the document at issue

Emphasizes that the document is central to a disagreement or problem.

relevant document

Highlights the document's importance and connection to the topic.

the paper under consideration

Suggests a more formal review process of a "paper" (not necessarily a formal "document").

FAQs

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

You can use "document in question" to refer to a specific document that has already been mentioned or is under discussion. For example, "The analysis provided in the "document in question" supports our findings."

What are some alternatives to "document in question"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "paper in question", "file in question", or "report in question".

Is it appropriate to use "document in question" in formal writing?

Yes, "document in question" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to refer back to a specific document without repeating its full title or description.

What's the difference between "document in question" and "relevant document"?

"Document in question" refers to a specific document already identified, whereas "relevant document" simply means a document that is related to the topic being discussed, without necessarily having been mentioned before.