documenting this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "documenting this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of recording or keeping a record of specific information or events. Example: "I am documenting this process to ensure we have a clear record of our findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think we should start documenting this".

The New York Times

Sports economists have been documenting this for decades.

The New York Times

There are no national statistics documenting this shift, however, or documenting much of anything about surrogacy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Thank you for your efforts at documenting this struggle so well.

The New Yorker

He did what he loved, and what he loved is documenting this very ephemeral world".

The New York Times - Style

"Our whole goal for documenting this is so the general public will have an outcry".

The New York Times

In documenting this transaction, Greenaway might be accused of doing the same.

The Guardian - Film

"We are extremely interested in fully documenting this history," she added.

The New York Times

"The videos are crucial for documenting this violence, but insufficient for changing it.

The Guardian - Tech

It was like we were documenting this hotel, this place that we were living.

The New York Times

During the time you spent documenting this series, where did you live?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "documenting this", ensure the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "documenting this" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "recording this" or "noting this" might be more appropriate. "Documenting this" carries a sense of formality that may be unsuitable for all situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "documenting this" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the action of recording or detailing something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "documenting this" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that serves to highlight the action of recording information systematically. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate across many domains. It is especially common in news, science, and formal contexts. While generally neutral to formal in register, writers should be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone. When a less formal tone is preferred, consider alternatives such as "recording this" or "noting this". Ultimately, using "documenting this" effectively hinges on clarity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recording this

Focuses on the act of making a record, often in audio or video format, instead of general documentation.

chronicling this

Implies a detailed and chronological account of events, adding a narrative aspect.

archiving this

Suggests preserving information for future reference, emphasizing long-term storage.

cataloging this

Emphasizes systematic listing and organization, often for large amounts of data.

registering this

Implies formally recording information in an official system or database.

capturing this

Highlights the act of seizing or obtaining information, especially in visual or auditory form.

logging this

Often used in technical contexts to describe the automatic recording of events or data.

keeping a record of this

A more verbose alternative that emphasizes the act of maintaining a documented account.

making a note of this

Suggests a brief or informal record, often for personal use.

detailing this

Focuses on providing comprehensive and specific information, emphasizing thoroughness.

FAQs

What does "documenting this" mean?

"Documenting this" refers to the act of recording, detailing, or keeping a formal record of something. It implies a systematic approach to preserving information for future reference.

What can I say instead of "documenting this"?

You can use alternatives like "recording this", "chronicling this", or "archiving this" depending on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

How formal is the phrase "documenting this"?

The phrase "documenting this" is generally considered to be relatively formal. Simpler terms like "noting this" or "recording this" might be preferred in more casual settings.

When should I use "documenting this" over other alternatives?

Use "documenting this" when you want to emphasize the creation of a formal or official record. It's particularly suitable for academic, scientific, or professional contexts where detailed and accurate records are important.