held on paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held on paper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is documented or recorded in written form, often implying that it is not just a verbal agreement or understanding. Example: "The terms of the agreement were held on paper, ensuring that both parties had a clear reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

At present, notes on patients are often still held on paper; electronic information is fragmented in locally based systems, and there is a great deal of duplication.

The Economist

A single investment held on paper by Wen's 90-year-old mother Yang Zhiyun – a retired schoolteacher – was worth $120m five years ago, the New York Times said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Though he now holds, on paper, one of the country's most powerful positions, the general has largely been sidelined since last year's election.

The Guardian

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, May 13 (Reuters) — Sri Lanka's military and the island's Tamil Tiger rebels are locked in a low-intensity war despite a cease-fire that still technically holds on paper, the leader of the truce monitors said Saturday.

The New York Times

I used to hear things about how the [Sulzberger] family wouldn't be able to hold on to the paper anymore, because this is your only business in a sense, there's no tech company on the side that's providing billions of dollars.

The New Yorker

You needn't hold on to that paper receipt.

Huffington Post

Gently hold on to the paper and pull it out of the laser printer.

WikiHow

Newspaper proprietors down the decades have sacrificed untold millions in order to hold on to unprofitable papers or been happy to put up with small returns.

The Guardian

This is why it is important to hold on to all your papers, quizzes and other documents.

HuffPost

Shirley Kroot, a retired teacher from Huntley, Ill., says she's learned to hold on to every piece of paper, particularly when she's seeking medical attention.

Forbes

A patient with AIN may be unable to hold on to the sheet of paper with just his fingertips and may compensate by using a more adaptive grip in which the interphalangeal joint of the thumb and distal interphalangeal joint of the index finger remain extended [ 7].

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "held on paper" when you want to emphasize that information or an agreement is formally documented, providing a clear record for reference.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something "held on paper" is automatically implemented or effective in practice. It merely signifies documentation, not necessarily execution or success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held on paper" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating the medium in which something is recorded or documented. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in contexts ranging from formal agreements to theoretical concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "held on paper" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is formally documented or recorded. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, appearing with "Uncommon" frequency, it serves to emphasize the existence of a formal record. The phrase is appropriate for a neutral register and is used in various contexts like news, science, and general writing. Remember, documenting something "held on paper" doesn't guarantee its implementation or effectiveness; it simply means it is formally recorded for reference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

documented in writing

Emphasizes the act of formally recording something through written means.

recorded in written form

Highlights the transformation of information into a written record.

formally documented

Focuses on the official and structured nature of the documentation.

officially recorded

Stresses the authorized and recognized aspect of the record.

in black and white

Indicates clear, written evidence or agreement, often contrasting with verbal understandings.

theoretically

Implies something exists only in concept or on record, without practical reality.

nominally

Suggests something is true in name or on record, but not necessarily in practice.

on the books

Indicates something is officially registered or recorded.

in the records

Highlights the presence of something within an official collection of data.

on file

Indicates something is stored and accessible as a document.

FAQs

How can I use "held on paper" in a sentence?

You can use "held on paper" to indicate that something is documented or recorded in written form. For example: "The agreement was "held on paper" to ensure clarity and accountability."

What is a good alternative to "held on paper"?

A suitable alternative to "held on paper" is "documented in writing", which also emphasizes the act of formally recording information.

What does "held on paper" imply about the status of something?

"Held on paper" implies that something is formally recorded, but it doesn't necessarily mean it is actively implemented or effective in practice. It mainly signifies documentation.

Is "held on paper" different from "in practice"?

Yes, "held on paper" refers to something being documented, while "in practice" refers to how something is actually done or implemented. Something can be "held on paper" but not effectively carried out in practice.