for documentary purposes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for documentary purposes" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is being done or provided to create a record or documentation of an event or situation. Example: "Please fill out this form for documentary purposes, so we can keep a record of your participation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Interpretations of other artists sketched on paper are often lifeless copies made as records for documentary purposes.

The New York Times - Arts

The idea of using the visual arts for documentary purposes seems pretty much dead, another victim of the age of mechanical reproduction.

The New Yorker

The business unit has been the focus of criticism since 2006, when it signed a contract giving Showtime Networks exclusive access to the Smithsonian archives for documentary purposes.

The New York Times - Arts

(He died in 2012). The idea of using the visual arts for documentary purposes seems pretty much dead, another victim of the age of mechanical reproduction.

The New Yorker

The prestigious berth signals keen attention will be paid to the film that caused a significant stir at Sundance and one that may revolutionize the standards for "fair use" -- the doctrine that allows footage from previous movies to be used for documentary purposes -- in this case multiple clips from The Shining illustrating Room 237's strange propositions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In 2006, it signed a contract giving Showtime Networks exclusive access to the Smithsonian archives for some documentary purposes.

The New York Times

Notes for an accompanying script verify that these images were meant to have a persuasive, rather than simply documentary, purpose.

Johns Hopkins University

Gathered for documentary and pedagogical purposes, the objects range in date from the 18th well into the 20th centuries, and are from countries all around the globe.

Columbia University

"Citizenfour" won for documentary.

Los Angeles Times

Emmy winner for documentary on his father.

Los Angeles Times

A draft protocol for the first element of the documentary analysis has been prepared (see additional file 1: Elements of a protocol for documentary analysis).

Health Research Policy and Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for documentary purposes", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being documented and why the documentation is important.

Common error

In informal settings, avoid using "for documentary purposes". Simpler phrases like "to keep track" or "for our records" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for documentary purposes" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, modifying a verb by specifying the reason or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is done to create a record or documentation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for documentary purposes" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating the intention to create a formal record or documentation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, though more frequent in formal settings such as news, academia, and science. Related phrases include "for record-keeping purposes" and "for archival reasons". When using the phrase, ensure the context warrants its formality, and consider simpler alternatives like "for our records" in less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for record-keeping purposes

Replaces "documentary" with "record-keeping", emphasizing the act of maintaining records.

for archival reasons

Uses "archival" to highlight the long-term preservation aspect of documentation.

for the purpose of creating a record

Focuses on the outcome of generating a record.

for evidentiary reasons

Emphasizes the use of documentation as evidence.

for the sake of documentation

Emphasizes the importance or value of creating documentation.

to document

A more concise phrasing, using the verb "to document" directly.

to provide a historical account

Highlights the historical significance of the documentation.

as a means of documentation

Highlights the action as a method for creating records.

with the intention of documenting

Clearly states the intent to create documentary evidence.

for the sake of posterity

Highlights long-term preservation of a record for future generations.

FAQs

How can I use "for documentary purposes" in a sentence?

You can use "for documentary purposes" to indicate that something is being done to create a record or documentation of an event or situation. For example: "Please fill out this form "for documentary purposes", so we can keep a record of your participation."

What are some alternatives to "for documentary purposes"?

Some alternatives include "for record-keeping purposes", "for archival reasons", or "for evidentiary reasons", depending on the specific context.

Is "for documentary purpose" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrase is ""for documentary purposes"", with the plural "purposes". The plural form is used because documentation often serves multiple aims or intentions.

When is it appropriate to use "for documentary purposes"?

"For documentary purposes" is most appropriate in formal or professional settings where creating a formal record is necessary, such as in legal, academic, or business contexts.