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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
document to be followed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'document to be followed' is correct and usable in written English.
It could be used when referring to a specific document that someone must adhere to. For example, "Please ensure that all employees are familiar with the document to be followed."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(14)
mandatory guidelines
protocol to be observed
guidelines to be adhered to
instructions to be implemented
rules to be complied with
standard operating procedure
mandate to be enforced
document to be filled
material to be followed
text to be followed
document to be signed
documentation followed
presented to be followed
document to apply
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
As the afternoon wore on, I asked him if perhaps these many distinctions missed a larger point about the Nuremberg Code — a document to be followed as much in spirit as in detail.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
This document defines the rules to be followed in order to ensure that GEP data submitted for drug approval will have the quality level required by the FDA.
Science
Finally, the rigorous and well documented consenting process that has to be followed as per the granting of the ethics approval provides a clear and auditable pathway from dissemination of information regarding the registry through the information sheets for patients and carers, the assessment of capacity and the storage of critical documents to defend against future challenges which may arise.
Country-specific information stemming from the document analyses is followed by the country name and a reference to the corresponding document, while for survey insights only the country name is provided.
Key search terms such as "alcohol tax", "wine hub", "budget", and "alcohol industry" were used and relevant threads contained in the documents were followed to search for additional documents of interest.
Science
In the workplace, the agency places the onus on employers to adequately train and inform employees, to ensure that safety data sheets are up to date and to guarantee that OSHA guidance documents are being followed.
News & Media
Patients with documented myelosuppression were followed by CBCs every 2 days until recovery.
Science
Patients suspected of having or those with documented AF were followed up by 12-lead ECG and/or Holter monitoring.
Our subjects, after a documented eGFR, were followed for about 200,675 person-years of time between January 2002 and July 2005.
Science
After cessation of treatment patients without documented progression were followed every 3 months with clinical and radiological evaluation.
Science
CM should assure that the right person reviews the new or changed documents, at the right time, signs same, and that all document-related standards are followed.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When specifying a document that needs to be followed, ensure clarity by naming the document directly. For instance, say "the company's safety manual to be followed" instead of just "a document to be followed".
Common error
Avoid using only the passive form. Instead of "the document to be followed", actively state who should follow it. For example, "employees must follow the document" is more direct and actionable.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "document to be followed" functions as a noun phrase acting as an adjective, modifying a noun (often implied) to specify a particular type of document. This phrase, according to Ludwig, indicates a required or mandatory document.
Frequent in
Science
30%
News & Media
25%
Formal & Business
25%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Encyclopedias
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "document to be followed" is a grammatically correct phrase used to designate a mandatory or required document. As Ludwig's AI specifies, it indicates something that needs to be consulted and adhered to. While it's not highly frequent, it is found across diverse fields, most commonly in science, news media, and formal business contexts. For improved clarity, it's recommended to specify which entity is supposed to be following the document, or to use more direct language where possible. If you want to convey the same concept using different terms, you can pick one from a list of related concepts, like "protocol to be observed" or "guidelines to be adhered to".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
protocol to be observed
Replaces "document" with "protocol" and "followed" with "observed", implying a formal set of rules.
guidelines to be adhered to
Substitutes "document" with "guidelines" and uses "adhered to" for a more emphatic tone.
instructions to be implemented
Emphasizes the action of putting the instructions into practice, shifting the focus from passive following to active execution.
rules to be complied with
Uses "rules" instead of "document" and "complied with" for a stronger sense of obligation.
standard operating procedure
Replaces the entire phrase with a more technical term, specifically referring to established procedures.
mandate to be enforced
Emphasizes the authoritative nature of the document or rule, suggesting that it must be actively enforced.
policy to be enacted
Highlights the formal implementation of a policy document, focusing on its legislative or organizational effect.
regulations to be observed
Replaces "document" with "regulations" emphasizing compliance with formal legal or administrative requirements.
precepts to be heeded
Replaces "document" with "precepts", implying moral or ethical guidance that should be taken seriously.
best practices to be implemented
Highlights following the best documented professional standards.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "document to be followed" for better clarity?
Consider alternatives like "required reading", "mandatory guidelines", or "essential procedures" depending on the specific context. For example, rather than saying, "This is the document to be followed", you could say, "These are the "mandatory guidelines"".
Is "document to be followed" formal or informal?
The phrase "document to be followed" is generally neutral in tone and suitable for formal contexts. However, more direct phrasing, such as "required document" or "mandatory policy", might be preferred for even greater formality.
Which is correct, "document to be followed" or "document that must be followed"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Document to be followed" is more concise, while "document that must be followed" is more explicit. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis and formality.
What's the difference between "document to be followed" and "reference document"?
"Document to be followed" implies a requirement for adherence, whereas "reference document" simply indicates a source of information. A document to be followed sets out rules or procedures that people are expected to comply with, while a reference document provides background or supplementary information.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested