existing documents

USAGE SUMMARY

'existing documents' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to documents that already exist, for example: "We'll need to refer to the existing documents before we can proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Through documentation, we collected a wide range of existing documents such as English proficiency scales (e.g. CEFR, Canadian Language Benchmark), teaching syllabuses, curriculum requirements (e.g. College English Curriculum Requirements), test specifications and rating scales (totally 42 documents, both in English and Chinese) which may contain descriptors of listening ability.

Language Testing in Asia

As part of the NHS End of Life Programme, Newcastle upon Tyne PCT Specialist Palliative Care Team has developed training on ACP and identified documentation for staff to use from a review of existing documents [ 20].

BMC Geriatrics

Another way these programs improve in accuracy is by analyzing existing documents for new words and for your syntax.

The New York Times - Tech

By most accounts, Sik's manuscript said nothing very new; it compiled existing documents related to the subject for public consumption.

The New Yorker

In May, the bureau introduced two prototypes for a simplified, one-page form that would combine existing documents.

The New York Times

In May, the bureau brought out two prototypes for a simplified, one-page form that would combine and replace existing documents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The existing document — part of 12,000 pages of original Dutch records — has legally been in the custody of the successive state governments of New York: Dutch, British, then American.

The New York Times

Travellers should allow at least three weeks to obtain a new passport at the standard prices, although any remaining time on their existing document will be added to the new one.

The Guardian

Joyce said they would ensure the National party's aspirations were clearly outlined in the Coalition agreement, but he signalled they were unlikely to seek any major changes given the existing document is only five months old.

The Guardian

The first step that one tool should do is to map the existing document to the Validator Model though the primitives described in Sect.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

A new ISO Technical Report has been drafted to update the existing document and combine its two parts into a single publication.

Flow Measurement and Instrumentation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to "existing documents", specify the type or category of documents to provide clarity (e.g., "existing legal documents", "existing research documents").

Common error

Avoid using "existing documents" as a generic placeholder. Always ensure that the reference to the documents is meaningful and adds value to the sentence. If the existence of the documents is implied, the word “existing” could be removed without loss of the core information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existing documents" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to documents that are already present or available, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "existing documents" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to documents that already exist. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. When using "existing documents", ensure you provide sufficient context and avoid redundancy. Alternatives like "available documents" or "pre-existing documents" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig underscore its widespread use and versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pre-existing documents

Stresses that the documents existed before a specific event or time.

available documents

Focuses on the accessibility of the documents rather than their mere existence.

extant documents

A more formal way to indicate documents that are still in existence.

current documents

Emphasizes the documents' relevance to the present time.

on-hand documents

Highlights the physical presence and immediate availability of the documents.

records on file

Indicates that the documents have been formally archived or stored.

prior documentation

Focuses on the fact that the documents serve as background or precedent.

archived documents

Specifies that the documents have been preserved for historical or future reference.

official records

Suggests documents with some legal or formal authority.

established documents

Highlights that the documents are recognized or well-known.

FAQs

How can I use "existing documents" in a sentence?

You can use "existing documents" to refer to records or materials that already exist when starting a new project or investigation. For example: "We reviewed the "existing documents" to gather background information."

What are some alternatives to "existing documents"?

Alternatives to "existing documents" include "available documents", "current documents", or "pre-existing documents", depending on the specific context.

When should I use "pre-existing documents" instead of "existing documents"?

"Pre-existing documents" is appropriate when you need to emphasize that the documents existed before a particular event or time, while "existing documents" is a more general term.

Is it redundant to say "already existing documents"?

Yes, using "already" with "existing documents" can be redundant. "Existing" already implies that the documents are currently available, so ""existing documents"" is typically sufficient.