in order to document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in order to document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the purpose of an action, specifically when that action is related to recording or keeping a record of information. Example: "We conducted the survey in order to document the community's needs and preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His orders were to photograph the bodies in order to document prisoners' deaths.

The Guardian

These sensors allow them to measure things like greenhouse gases in order to document air pollution.

The New York Times

David Korman, her "sidekick," who takes pictures of her taking pictures in order to document the project, resembles a tourist.

The New Yorker

The Lancet series also highlighted the need for qualitative evaluations to explore the 'whys' and 'hows' of what works in order to document the factors that affect implementation.

The Guardian

Several women told me that they were so horribly hungry they started writing diaries in order to document the horror of what was happening to them.

The Guardian - Music

There, he worked as an optician and embraced the accoutrements of mid-century suburban life, purchasing his first camera in order to document his newborn son.

The New Yorker

Around the same time, he began the work that has made him the Kremlin's most formidable foe: studying publicly available information in order to document large-scale corruption.

The New Yorker

In order to document child exposure to domestic violence first responding officers must interview each child individually.

Crime Science

Corporate foresight practitioners should provide quantifiable data in order to document the return-on-investment for foresight activities.

European Journal of Futures Research

They also filled out diaries everyday in order to document their perception of the system and problem encountered.

European Transport Research Review

In order to document and increase the QOAT, continuous quality surveillance using the LIS has been initiated.

Thrombosis Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in order to document", ensure that the action being described directly leads to the creation or preservation of a record. Avoid using it vaguely; be specific about what is being documented and why it's important.

Common error

Avoid using "in order to document" in overly simple sentences where "to record" or "to document" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in order to document" functions as an infinitive of purpose. It introduces a clause that explains the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct and usable nature in written English, providing numerous examples of its application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in order to document" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that serves to introduce the purpose behind an action focused on recording or preserving information. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for a range of contexts, particularly in scientific, news media, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in simple sentences where more direct alternatives may suffice. Consider alternatives like "to record" or "for the purpose of documenting" to tailor your writing to the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so as to document

Similar in structure and meaning, offering a slightly more formal tone.

for the purpose of documenting

Emphasizes the intent behind the action, focusing on documentation as the main goal.

with the aim of documenting

Highlights the specific aim or objective of recording information.

as a means of documenting

Emphasizes that documenting is the method or tool being used.

with the intention of recording

Highlights the forethought and intent behind recording information.

to keep a record of

Simple and direct alternative, emphasizing the act of maintaining a record.

to record for posterity

Focuses on recording information for future generations, adding a sense of historical significance.

to archive for future reference

Focuses on archiving information for later consultation or analysis.

for record-keeping purposes

Highlights the administrative or organizational aspect of documenting.

to chronicle

Emphasizes the act of recording events in a detailed and chronological order.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "in order to document"?

You can use alternatives like "to record", "for the purpose of documenting", or "so as to document", depending on the context.

How do I use "in order to document" in a sentence?

Use "in order to document" to introduce the purpose of an action that involves recording or preserving information. For example, "Photographs were taken of the lagoon around the island in order to document its condition for future reference."

Is "in order to document" formal or informal?

"In order to document" is generally considered neutral to formal. While not overly stilted, it is more appropriate for professional, academic, or news-related contexts than casual conversation. Alternatives like "to record" might be suitable for less formal settings.

What is the difference between "in order to document" and "to document"?

"In order to document" explicitly states the purpose behind an action, emphasizing the intention. "To document" is more direct and concise. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the reason for documenting something or simply state the action.