filed the paperwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filed the paperwork" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of submitting official documents or forms to an authority or organization. Example: "After weeks of preparation, she finally filed the paperwork to start her new business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

James filed the paperwork to run Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

Although we lived together, we hadn't filed the paperwork.

The New York Times

"We filed the paperwork timely, and we're waiting".

The New York Times

And eight— a record few, in fact — never filed the paperwork needed for certification.

The New York Times

When the Red Sox traded away Manny Ramirez, they filed the paperwork at 3 59 P.M.

The New Yorker

But all that is really known is that he filed the paperwork to run for something.

The New York Times

Tyka Nelson filed the paperwork on Tuesday in Carver County probate court.

The Guardian - Music

He filed the paperwork Monday, and said no fine has been issued.

The Washington Post

The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that Pinterest had filed the paperwork with regulators.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

She started filing the paperwork, but soon it became clear she thought I was hiding something.

The New York Times - Magazine

More lawsuits are likely, because plaintiffs have until mid-January to file the paperwork.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "filed the paperwork", ensure you specify what type of paperwork was filed, if it's not already clear from the context. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "filed the paperwork" in very informal contexts; simpler phrases like "submitted the forms" or "sent it in" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filed the paperwork" functions as a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes the action of officially submitting documents or forms, often in a legal or administrative context. This aligns with the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "filed the paperwork" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes the action of submitting official documents. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news, formal business, and scientific contexts, it serves to communicate the completion of a formal submission process. When using the phrase, specifying the context or type of paperwork enhances clarity. Alternatives like "submitted the documents" or "lodged the application" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis. It's generally better to avoid it in very informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Submitted the documents

Focuses on the action of submitting rather than the specific documents.

Submitted the application

Similar to "submitted the documents" but specifies an application.

Handed in the forms

Emphasizes the physical act of handing over documents.

Turned in the application

Similar to handing in but specifies an application.

Lodged the application

Uses a more formal term for submitting an application.

Sent in the forms

Implies mailing or electronic submission of forms.

Registered the documents

Highlights the registration aspect of the submission.

Completed the submission

Focuses on finishing the entire submission process.

Effectuated the filing

A more formal way to say "filed the paperwork".

Processed the application

Implies more than just submitting; includes handling.

FAQs

How can I use "filed the paperwork" in a sentence?

You can use "filed the paperwork" to indicate that someone has officially submitted documents. For example, "She "filed the paperwork" to start her own business."

What can I say instead of "filed the paperwork"?

You can use alternatives like "submitted the documents", "handed in the forms", or "lodged the application" depending on the context.

Is "filed the paperwork" formal or informal?

"Filed the paperwork" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for professional or news contexts rather than very casual conversations.

What's the difference between "filed the paperwork" and "completed the forms"?

"Completed the forms" refers to filling out the necessary documents, while ""filed the paperwork"" implies the act of officially submitting those completed documents to the relevant authority.