files

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "files" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to documents, data, or records stored on a computer or in a physical format. Example: "Please make sure to organize the files in the correct folders for easy access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I decided AWS S3 would do, as you can store static files there cheaply and serve them over HTTP.

The Guardian

They say the blacklisting files date from at least 1969.

The Guardian

Several hundred people had the ability to export files like the one that was inadvertently released.

The Guardian

Miranda was serving as a human passenger pigeon, shuttling encrypted files on USB drives between filmmaker Laura Poitras and Greenwald because, as the whole world now knows, the Internet is fully bugged by the US and UK governments.

The Guardian

The editor of the Guardian, Alan Rusbridger, had earlier informed government officials that other copies of the files existed outside the country and that the Guardian was neither the sole recipient nor steward of the files leaked by Snowden, a former NSA contractor.

The Guardian

http://t.co/LlbcPLkkmn it's Fahrenheit 451, but with computers Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 7.50pm BST19:50 Here's some video of Alan Rusbridger, editor of the Guardian, talking about why and how the newspaper destroyed computer hard drives containing copies of some of the secret files leaked by Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

Collins said it was conceivable that lawyers acting for alleged victims would take legal action to compel police forces to hand over their files on Savile.

The Guardian

There had been heavy coverage of the MP3 phenomenon and of Apple, Napster and the Pirate Bay, but there had been little talk of the inventors and almost none at all of those who actually pirated the files.

The Guardian - Books

The files were procured on chat channels and through Napster and BitTorrent; I haven't purchased an album with my own money since the turn of the millennium.

The Guardian - Books

It is intended to cut costs and speed up criminal trials by building what the police refer to as "appropriate case files" that contain the minimum forensic evidence needed to secure a conviction.

The Guardian

Just after 9pm each day, a long line of workers files out of 55 Savushkina Street, a modern four-storey office complex with a small sign outside that reads "Business centre".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "files" in technical writing, specify the file format (e.g., "PDF files", "CSV files") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "files's" when you mean "files". The correct possessive form is "files'" (e.g., "the files' contents").

Linguistic Context

The word "files" functions primarily as a plural noun, referring to a collection of data or documents stored together. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its usage in contexts ranging from computer files to legal documents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "files" is a very common plural noun used to refer to collections of data or documents, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical status is correct, and its usage spans across various contexts, most prominently in news and media, business, and scientific domains. While generally neutral in register, specifying file formats (e.g., "PDF files") improves clarity. When seeking alternatives, "documents", "records", or "data" can be appropriate substitutions depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

computer files

Specifies that the files are stored on a computer.

documents

Replaces "files" with a more formal term for written or printed material.

electronic documents

More specific to electronic versions of "documents".

records

Similar to "files", but often implies official or important information.

data

Focuses on the information contained within the files.

archives

Suggests a collection of historical or important files.

case files

Specifically refers to files related to a legal case.

folders

Refers to the containers that hold files.

digital assets

Emphasizes the value and digital nature of the files.

blacklisting records

More specific to records used to keep track of individuals that are banned.

FAQs

How to use "files" in a sentence?

You can use "files" to refer to collections of data or documents. For example, "The investigator reviewed the case files for new evidence."

What can I say instead of "files"?

You can use alternatives like "documents", "records", or "data" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "files" or "file's"?

"Files" is the plural form. "File's" is the possessive singular (e.g., "the file's contents"). Make sure you choose the correct form based on the sentence's meaning.

What's the difference between "files" and "folders"?

"Files" are the individual units of data or documents. "Folders" are containers that organize and store those files, like filing cabinets for your digital documents.