file

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "file" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as referring to a document, a collection of data, or an organized set of information stored on a computer. Example: "Please make sure to save your work in the correct file before closing the program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Guardian Australia did not disclose the location of the file to prevent further breaches of privacy.

The Guardian

I have on file cases of Britons recently imprisoned for crimes as relatively mild as abusive tweeting, poll-rigging, Boat Race obstructing, cathedral desecrating, job-application falsifying, expenses fiddling, urinatingon a war memorial, speeding-point switching, licence fee non-paying, and googling in court.

The Guardian - Opinion

"These applications were rewritten from the ground up," it explained, "to be fully 64-bit and to support a unified file format between OS X and iOS 7 versions".

The Guardian - Tech

I regret now that I didn't file a report on my own experience.

The Guardian

The Downing Street private office file runs to more than 40 pages alone.

The Guardian

Audioboo also keeps your messages stored, unlike your mobile operator, along with your geo-location data and any associated imagery, file names and so on.

The Guardian - Tech

We just felt we needed to file for provisional measures because this was our last chance to get reinstated.

The Guardian - Sport

Victims believed they were opening a photo of their new online friend, but when they clicked on the bogus picture the attached file contained a Trojan virus which infected their computers, allowing the sexual predator to establish remote control.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But Ukip's "little guy" rank-and-file is not always quite so on-message.

The Guardian

If 2 gxf5 Black Black has developed the queen's bishop to a good square, opened the f-file for imminent use by the rooks and has the better pawn structure.

The Guardian - Sport

While it may be tempting to attribute this to the notion that the Democratic party machine and rank-and-file are simply more open and accepting of women in top leadership roles, the real answer is more complex.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "file" in a technical context, specify the file type (e.g., "PDF file", "JPEG file") to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "fill" when you mean "file". "File" refers to storing or organizing data, while "fill" means to make something full.

Linguistic Context

The word "file" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a collection of data or documents. As a verb, it means to store, organize, or formally submit something. Ludwig AI provides examples that illustrate both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "file" is a versatile term, functioning as both a noun and a verb with distinct meanings. As shown by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. The term is used to describe organizing, storing, or formally submitting information. Common errors include confusing it with the word "fill". When using "file", consider specifying the file type for clarity. The examples provided by Ludwig show that the word is most frequently used in news and media and has a neutral and formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data storage

Focuses on the action of keeping data saved.

store digitally

Emphasizes the digital method of saving information.

arrange documents

Highlights organizing written materials.

archive papers

Indicates a more permanent storage of documents.

record data

Focuses on writing or storing data.

submit officially

Emphasizes the formal process of presenting something.

lodge formally

Refers to officially registering something.

register officially

Formal act of noting information in a registry.

catalog record

Specifies the act of entering data into a catalogue.

index records

Relates to organizing records.

FAQs

How can I use "file" in a sentence?

You can use "file" as a noun, referring to a collection of data, or as a verb, meaning to store or submit something. For example, "I need to save this file" or "She will file the report tomorrow".

What are some synonyms for "file"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "document", "record", "archive", or "submit".

When should I use "file" versus "folder"?

"File" refers to a single, self-contained piece of data, while "folder" refers to a container for organizing multiple files. A "folder" can contain multiple files.

What does it mean to "file for" something?

To "file for" something means to make a formal request or application, often for a benefit or official status. For example, you might "apply for" or "file for bankruptcy".