living document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'living document' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a document that is regularly updated and revised. For example, "The company's employee handbook is a living document that is updated every year to reflect changes in policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Legal scholars say the Constitution is a "living" document.

Independent

"The product plan is a living document," he said, referring to changes in Chrysler's vehicle timetable.

The New York Times

Holacratic organizations ratify a constitution a living document outlining the rules by which circles are created, changed, and removed.

Harvard Business Review

"I think this is a living document and the words are every bit as live today," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Conservatives do not like Mr. Liu's support for same-sex marriage rights, affirmative action and his view that the Constitution is a living document that evolves over time.

The New York Times

The overriding narrative is that we are a tolerant society and are fortunate to be governed by a living document that is flexible as times change.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

As a result, the recordings he made were living documents that sounded alive and fresh.

The New York Times - Arts

At its core the exhibition offers Yeats's papers not as relics but as living documents.

The New York Times - Arts

They are living documents: product and manufacturing engineers update the standards with every vehicle program.

Harvard Business Review

Finally, electronic publishing may offer some solutions for training systems that rely on living documents as the basis of their training.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

The proposed system is envisioned for applications beyond motion picture genres, supporting the creation of living documents used in educational and collaborative project settings.

Entertainment Computing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "living document", specify the update frequency to ensure readers understand how current the information is meant to be.

Common error

Don't treat a "living document" as a one-time creation. Neglecting to update it regularly defeats its purpose and can lead to outdated or incorrect information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "living document" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adjective to describe another noun. It signifies that the document is not static but is continuously updated and evolving. Ludwig confirms its validity in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "living document" accurately describes a resource that is continually updated and revised to reflect current information, as validated by Ludwig. It's commonly used in news, science, and business contexts to emphasize adaptability and ongoing relevance. Related phrases like "dynamic record" and "evolving document" can offer alternative ways to express this concept, though "living document" itself is widely understood and accepted. When employing the phrase, remember to clearly communicate the document's update frequency and treat it as an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Evolving document

Highlights the ongoing process of change and development.

Fluid document

Suggests the document is easily changed and not rigid in its structure.

Dynamic record

Focuses on the active and changing nature of the document.

Mutable document

Emphasizes the capacity of the document to be changed or altered.

Adaptable document

Stresses the document's capacity to be modified for different purposes.

Regularly revised document

Similar to 'frequently updated', but stresses the act of revision.

Iterative document

Implies the document goes through repeated cycles of refinement.

Frequently updated document

Emphasizes the regular revisions and additions to the document.

Work in progress

Indicates the document is not yet finalized and is still being developed.

Open source document

Highlights the document is collaborative and permits contributions from others.

FAQs

What does it mean for a document to be "living"?

When a document is described as "living", it means it's not considered final and is expected to be updated, revised, and adapted over time to reflect new information or changing circumstances.

How often should a "living document" be updated?

The update frequency depends on the document's purpose and the rate of change in the relevant field. It could be daily, weekly, monthly, or annually. Clearly define the update schedule.

What are some synonyms for "living document"?

Alternatives include "dynamic record", "evolving document", or "frequently updated document", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between a "living document" and a static document?

A "living document" is continuously updated and revised, while a static document remains unchanged after its initial creation. Choose the type that best fits the intended use and lifespan of the information.