draft document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draft document" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a preliminary version or rough draft of a document that is still being worked on and may undergo changes before being finalized. Example: "I have just finished reviewing the draft document and have made some suggestions for revisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The appropriate draft document was updated immediately.

The Economist

The draft document leaked in Israel after the Shepherdstown talks.

The New York Times

But the American draft document refers only to parliamentary elections sometime next year.

The New York Times

The draft document also established a process for reaching a conclusion about the cause of death.

The New York Times

The draft document is available on the Web at www.bgrr.bnl.gov /docs.html.html

The New York Times

These aren't the only contentious points in the CSW draft document, of course.

The Guardian

The draft document is vague about such crucial points as the precise sequence of some steps.

The New York Times

(The draft document suggested an open-ended process, steered by Mr. d'Escoto).

The New York Times

The draft document referred to a new intermediate class between First and Standard.

Independent

Constitutional committee proposes draft document for submission after elections for approval by appropriate Palestinian institutions.

The New York Times

A committee is eventually named to revise a draft document for the new law.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "draft document", specify the version or date to avoid confusion, especially in collaborative projects. For instance, use "Draft Document v2" or "Draft Document (July 17, 2025)" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid distributing or relying on a "draft document" as if it were the finalized version. Always confirm its status and note any disclaimers or indications that it is still under review.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draft document" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a specific type of written work that is in a preliminary stage. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig show it used across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draft document" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe a preliminary version of a written work. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across various sources, including news media, scientific publications, and formal business contexts. It serves the purpose of identifying a document that is still under development and subject to change. The related phrases provided offer alternative ways to express the same concept, such as "preliminary document" or "working document", each with slightly different nuances. When using "draft document", clarity is key: always specify the version or date to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary document

Replaces "draft" with "preliminary", emphasizing the early stage of the document.

initial document

Substitutes "draft" with "initial", focusing on the document's role as the starting point.

working document

Emphasizes that the document is currently being actively developed and modified.

rough draft

Highlights the unrefined and incomplete nature of the document.

tentative document

Indicates that the document's contents are subject to change and not yet final.

unfinalized document

Directly states that the document has not yet reached its final version.

proposed document

Highlights that the document is being put forward for consideration or approval.

outline document

Emphasizes the document's skeletal structure, lacking full details.

developmental document

Focuses on the document being in the process of active evolution.

early version of the document

Expands on the idea of a draft, specifying it as an early iteration.

FAQs

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

You can use "draft document" to refer to a preliminary version of a document, as in, "The committee reviewed the "draft document" and provided feedback." or "Please submit the "draft document" by Friday.

What is another way to say "draft document"?

Alternatives to "draft document" include "preliminary document", "initial document", or "working document" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between a "draft document" and a final document?

A "draft document" is a preliminary version that is subject to revisions, while a final document is the approved and completed version. The "draft document" is not intended for official use until it becomes the final document.

Can a "draft document" be legally binding?

Generally, a "draft document" is not legally binding because it's not yet finalized or approved. However, specific circumstances and explicit agreements could change this, so it's crucial to confirm the legal status of any "document" with legal counsel.