losing documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing documents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of misplacing or failing to keep track of important papers or files. Example: "The team faced significant delays due to losing documents that were crucial for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

That system has been faulted for losing documents and other sloppy practices.

The New York Times

The system has been faulted for losing documents and other sloppy work.

The New York Times

But homeowners and counselors, Mr. Allison said, reported that servicers were losing documents.

The New York Times

★ Sagittarius 22 Nov-21 Dec Work is something of a caution for now, asking you to push ahead against a tide of fellow travellers seemingly intent on losing documents, schedules and good sense.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bonnie Russell, president of 1st-pick.com, a legal-resource Web site in Del Mar, Calif., remembers a former boss who never fired anybody, not even a receptionist who answered telephone calls with the word "um" followed by a long pause, and who was forever losing documents.

The New York Times

The midfielder and his team-mate Pedro Rodríguez were robbed after a break-in during which around £1,300 was taken from safes, with Busquets also losing documents, though he has not allowed the incident to affect his preparations for Spain's first ever appearance in a World Cup final.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

When you turn in a complaint be prepared to give full details including name, date, organization involved, amount of money that you think was lost, documents or written material as well as any other documentation that you think might help.

WikiHow

That would also help prevent lost documents.

The New York Times

Work suffered as people lost documents and struggled to find laptops, phones or places to sit.

The Economist

For Dennis Selsky, a Vietnam-era veteran with multiple sclerosis, it was lost documents.

The New York Times

The bank lost documents and rarely returned her e-mails and phone messages, she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When dealing with sensitive information, always create backup copies of important "losing documents" to prevent permanent data loss.

Common error

Be careful not to use "losing documents" when you actually mean a data breach or theft of information. "Losing documents" typically refers to misplacement, while a data breach implies unauthorized access or theft.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing documents" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a subject or part of a subject in a sentence. It describes the action of misplacing or failing to keep track of documents. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is most often used in the context of reporting about business and finance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "losing documents" is a gerund phrase describing the act of misplacing or failing to keep track of papers. Ludwig's analysis indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently used in news and media, formal business and scientific contexts. The phrase conveys a problem or failing, particularly within organizational settings. To avoid confusion, differentiate "losing documents" from related concepts like data breaches. Implementing robust document management practices is crucial. Overall, "losing documents" is a recognized term used to describe a common challenge across various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misplacing documents

Focuses on the act of putting documents in the wrong place.

mislaid documents

Implies documents were put somewhere and forgotten.

documents getting lost

Emphasizes the state of the documents rather than the action.

data loss

More general term referring to the disappearance of data, not necessarily physical documents.

failure to maintain records

Highlights the responsibility of keeping documents safe.

records mismanagement

Implies poor handling and organization of documents.

paperwork going astray

A more informal way of saying documents were lost or misplaced.

inability to locate documents

Focuses on the problem of not being able to find the documents when needed.

disappearance of documents

Highlights the mysterious or unexplained loss of documents.

compromised documents

Documents got in the wrong hands and are a security concern.

FAQs

What are some ways to prevent "losing documents" in an office setting?

To minimize the chances of "losing documents", consider implementing a digital document management system, using clear labeling and filing systems, and regularly backing up important files. You might explore options like "digital filing system" or "cloud storage".

Is "losing documents" the same as a data breach?

"Losing documents" typically refers to misplacing or unintentionally losing physical or digital documents. A data breach, on the other hand, involves unauthorized access to sensitive information, potentially leading to theft or exposure. They are distinct events, although "losing documents" could potentially lead to a data breach if the documents contain sensitive data.

How serious is "losing documents" in a legal context?

In a legal context, "losing documents" can have severe consequences, potentially leading to sanctions, adverse inferences, or even dismissal of a case. It's crucial to have proper document management protocols to prevent the "loss of evidence".

What should I do if I realize I am "losing documents"?

If you discover you're "losing documents", immediately notify the relevant parties, such as your supervisor, legal counsel, or compliance officer. Investigate the cause, implement corrective measures to prevent future occurrences, and document all steps taken. Depending on the nature of the documents, you may also need to notify affected individuals or regulatory agencies.