green paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "green paper" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a discussion document or a preliminary report that outlines proposals for future legislation or policy, often inviting public comment. Example: "The government has released a green paper on climate change, seeking input from citizens and experts alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She looked at the green paper again.

The New Yorker

The green paper, they say, is contradictory.

The Economist

Green paper on reform of pensions.

The Guardian

The green paper is a real improvement.

The Guardian

'The green paper keeps the option open.

The Guardian

A "green paper" floated other ideas late last year.

The Economist

"The government's green paper argument is nonsense," he says.

The Guardian

One is a "green paper" on options for joint Eurobonds.

The Economist

The green paper does not go this far.

The Guardian

Responses to July's green paper are due on 8 October.

The Guardian

(See published a green paper on the subject).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you introduce it, make sure to specify the institution (e.g. government, or agency) that produced the "green paper" and maybe the topic of the discussion to provide better context.

Common error

Avoid using "green paper" in contexts where the focus is on environmental sustainability or environmentally friendly practices. While some green papers may address environmental issues, the term itself refers to a specific type of document, not a general environmental concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "green paper" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a specific type of document issued by a government or organization to initiate public discussion on a proposed policy or legislation. Ludwig AI examples show how it's used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "green paper" is a common noun phrase referring to a consultation document issued by governments or organizations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically sound and widely used, primarily in news, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's important to specify the source and topic of the "green paper" for clarity and to avoid confusing it with environmental topics. Consider alternatives like "discussion document" or "consultation paper" depending on the context. Remember that "green paper" signals a preliminary stage in policymaking, inviting public feedback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discussion document

Replaces the specific term with a more general descriptor of the document's purpose.

consultation paper

Focuses on the consultative aspect of the document.

policy proposal

Highlights the document's role in suggesting new policies.

preliminary report

Emphasizes the early stage of the document in the legislative process.

government white paper

Uses another type of government report as a substitute.

official briefing

Uses the word briefing instead of paper.

legislative outline

Highlights its role in outlining potential legislation.

strategy document

Replaces the document type with a focus on strategic planning.

policy consultation

Focuses on the interactive stage of the discussion paper.

initial assessment

Highlights the document as a start for discussion on a given topic.

FAQs

What is a "green paper"?

A "green paper" is a discussion document published by a government or organization to stimulate discussion and solicit feedback on a particular policy proposal or area of law. It is often a preliminary step before a more formal white paper or legislation is introduced.

How does a "green paper" differ from a "white paper"?

While both are government documents, a "green paper" is issued to provoke debate and gather opinions, whereas a white paper presents a more definitive statement of government policy. Think of the "green paper" as exploratory, and the white paper as conclusive.

What is another term for "green paper"?

Alternatives to "green paper" include "discussion document", "consultation paper", or "policy proposal", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Who typically publishes a "green paper"?

Governments, governmental agencies, and sometimes large organizations typically publish "green papers". The European Commission, for example, frequently uses green papers to launch consultations on future policies.