go through the papers

USAGE SUMMARY

"go through the papers" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it in various situations, such as when you are organizing or reviewing documents, doing research, or completing a task that involves reading through a stack of papers. Here is an example sentence: "I'll need some time to go through the papers before I can give you an answer. Can we discuss this tomorrow?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

As archivists began to go through the papers, however, they discovered a trove of drafts, memos, and research materials that had long been missing from the record of one of the twentieth century's most important speeches.

The New Yorker

I'll read a bit, watch telly or go through the papers – if I really have a job that needs doing then I'll bring my laptop home and do it.

The Guardian - Money

Those allegations, which many thought far-fetched at the time, have now been formally confirmed.The report by Sir Desmond de Silva, the lawyer commissioned by Mr Cameron to go through the papers in the case, lays out in meticulous detail how senior army and police intelligence officers colluded in the killings of Finucane and other republican sympathisers.

The Economist

If discipline-specific conferences or journals exist, I also go through the papers published in them, going at least 5 years back.

Science Magazine

I bought a set of those books so I could work from home, then I visited libraries like the Library of Congress and the Princeton Library to go through the papers left out of the 69 volumes, and then traveled around to some other libraries.

Huffington Post

Consider giving the students time to go through the papers in class and be available to talk about their grades afterwards.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

My dad suggested I go through the paper, see what performers charged for birthday parties and discuss with him what I found.

The New York Times

When I was little I understood the world to be made of paper, and that everyone should step carefully or go through the paper.

The New Yorker

"You have to go through the paper work, the supplies and health inspection".

Huffington Post

I'll sit down with my cup of coffee and go through the paper," said the 28-year-old stay-at-home mom, who lives in Huntington Beach.

Los Angeles Times

As Spanish cartoonist Antonio Fraguas once told us: "Despite how highly stressed you may be, the most important thing is to not use pen markers with alcohol that go through the paper.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go through the papers", specify the purpose of reviewing the documents to provide context and clarity. For instance, "go through the papers to identify key findings".

Common error

Don't use "go through the papers" without indicating what you're looking for or what action will follow. A vague statement like "I need to go through the papers" lacks direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go through the papers" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of examining or reviewing documents. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and commonly used expression. Examples show its use in various contexts, from archival research to everyday routines.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go through the papers" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of examining or reviewing documents. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is suitable for various contexts, including news, general writing, and less formal communications. While it has a neutral register, more formal settings might benefit from more precise synonyms like "review" or "examine". Usage patterns reveal that the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be sure to specify the purpose to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine the documents

Emphasizes a careful and detailed inspection of the documents.

review the paperwork

Highlights the act of looking over official documents.

scrutinize the files

Suggests a thorough and critical examination of the files.

peruse the documents

Implies a casual yet thorough reading of the documents.

look over the records

Focuses on inspecting official records or documentation.

analyze the materials

Highlights the analytical aspect of reviewing the materials.

inspect the documents

Focuses on a detailed examination for verification.

assess the files

Emphasizes the evaluation and judgment of the files' contents.

check the records

Suggests verifying the accuracy of the records.

process the documents

Focuses on handling and organizing the documents as part of a procedure.

FAQs

What does "go through the papers" mean?

It means to examine or review documents, usually in a detailed or systematic way. The purpose can vary, such as for research, organization, or verification.

What can I say instead of "go through the papers"?

You can use alternatives like "examine the documents", "review the paperwork", or "scrutinize the files" depending on the context.

Is it formal to say "go through the papers"?

The formality depends on the context. It's generally acceptable in neutral and informal settings. In very formal or academic writing, more precise terms like "analyze the data" or "assess the documentation" might be preferred.

How do I use "go through the papers" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The lawyer had to go through the papers to prepare for the trial." You can replace it with "review the case files" for a slightly more formal tone.