file them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "file them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to organize or store documents or items in a designated location, typically in a filing system. Example: "Once you have completed the reports, please file them in the appropriate folders."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

File them both together at the courthouse on or before your court date.

WikiHow

You file them.

The New York Times - Tech

File them under Missing Persons.

The New York Times

So why not simply file them?

The New York Times

The Supreme Court receives briefs; it does not file them.

The Guardian

I'd take lots of notes and file them away.

The New York Times

Federal law does not require churches to file them.

The New York Times

MBMer look at his fingernails and wonders whether he should file them when he gets home.

The Guardian

The appeals from those who are entitled to file them would be reviewed by two committees.

The New York Times

With the new digital cameras, will people keep all those disks and file them away?

The New York Times

The precise nature of such claims and when HP might file them could not be learned.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to organize documents, specify where to "file them" for clarity.

Common error

While "file them" is clear, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "store", "archive", or "record", depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "file them" functions as a verb phrase where "file" is the verb indicating the action of organizing and storing items, and "them" is a pronoun referring to the items being filed. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

36%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "file them" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for instructing someone to organize and store items, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears across various contexts, including Wiki entries, news articles, and academic papers, indicating its broad applicability. To avoid repetition, consider using alternatives such as "store them", "archive them", or "record them", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to clearly indicate where the items should be filed for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

store them

“Store them” is a general term that covers various methods of keeping items, without the organizational aspect of filing.

keep them on file

Keeping items on file emphasizes maintaining a record or copy for future reference.

organize them

“Organize them” highlights the act of arranging items systematically, rather than the physical act of filing.

put them on record

This alternative implies a more formal or official archiving process compared to simply filing.

archive them

“Archive them” suggests a long-term storage solution, typically for historical or important documents.

lodge them

“Lodge them” is more frequently associated with official documents or complaints, indicating a formal submission.

record them

“Record them” shifts the focus to documenting or registering information rather than storing physical objects.

categorize them

This focuses on classifying items into groups, implying a structured approach to arrangement.

classify them

“Classify them” suggests a formal or scientific categorization of items based on specific criteria.

put them away

This is a more casual and general way of saying to store items in their proper place.

FAQs

How can I use "file them" in a sentence?

You can use "file them" to instruct someone to put documents or records in a specific place for safekeeping. For example, "After reviewing the reports, please "file them" alphabetically in the designated cabinet."

What are some alternatives to "file them"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "store them", "archive them", or "record them". The best choice depends on whether you're referring to general storage, long-term preservation, or documentation.

Is it correct to say "file it" instead of "file them"?

Yes, "file it" is correct when referring to a single item. Use "file it" for one document and ""file them"" for multiple documents.

What's the difference between "file them away" and "file them"?

"File them away" implies putting something in a place where it will not be easily accessed, suggesting a more permanent or less frequently needed storage, while "file them" is more general.