obtaining documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtaining documents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of acquiring or collecting documents for a specific purpose, such as research, legal matters, or administrative tasks. Example: "The first step in the application process involves obtaining documents that verify your identity and residency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"If the procedures become easier and cheaper and there's also the possibility of obtaining documents at a provincial level, the majority of migrants will become regular," says Pirani.

The Guardian

Borrowers should know if their broker is not quickly obtaining documents needed to process the loan, like insurance and title details.

The New York Times

The People and Corruption survey found that in Nigeria bribery was most prevalent when it came to obtaining documents from government officials, including voters' cards.

The Guardian

The appeals court also ordered the trial court judge to reconsider rulings barring the plaintiffs from obtaining documents from Shell Nigeria.

The New York Times

Ross H. Garber, the governor's in-house counsel, said "the governor and Mrs. Rowland are in substantial compliance with the subpoena" and "shouldn't be penalized for trying to be helpful by obtaining documents".

The New York Times

The National Security Archive, a private library of documents that helps researchers in international affairs, also received a special award for its work in obtaining documents on important topics like Oliver North's diaries during the Iran-Contra scandal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Ward said that search and seizure warrants should be used to obtain documents.

The Guardian - Opinion

He obtained documents aimed at proving waste, fraud, and abuse in the Trailblazer program.

The New Yorker

As newly obtained documents demonstrate, Isis is also made up of bureaucrats, civil servants and jobsworths.

The Guardian

During research into the Wachovia Mexican case, the Observer obtained documents previously provided to financial regulators.

The Guardian

The newly obtained documents show that he had been kept under close watch before his arrest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or official procedures, use "obtaining documents" to emphasize the formal process of acquiring official paperwork. For example: "The first step in filing for divorce is "obtaining documents" from the court clerk."

Common error

Avoid phrases like "obtaining necessary documents" as it is often redundant. The act of "obtaining documents" typically implies that the documents are required or necessary for a specific purpose.

Linguistic Context

"Obtaining documents" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun within a sentence. Ludwig examples showcase it as the subject of a sentence or as part of a prepositional phrase, describing the act of acquiring specific paperwork for various reasons.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtaining documents" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase primarily used in news and media, as well as in formal and business contexts. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase conveys the act of acquiring official paperwork for specific purposes and aligns with a neutral to professional register. The phrase is frequently used to describe processes, requirements, or legal procedures. While there are alternatives like "acquiring paperwork" or "securing records", the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. Keep in mind to avoid redundancy and always consider the context for the most appropriate use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquiring paperwork

Focuses on the physical aspect of getting the official papers.

securing records

Emphasizes making sure the documents are safe and in one's possession.

procuring documentation

More formal alternative to "obtaining documents".

retrieving files

Suggests getting back documents that were previously stored.

accessing information

Highlights gaining access to the data contained within the documents.

gathering data

Shifts the focus to collecting information rather than the physical documents themselves.

compiling reports

Refers specifically to the act of putting documents together into a report.

getting clearances

Refers more to the official process of approving documents.

receiving confirmation

Indicates the act of getting confirmation through official documentation.

compiling information

Focuses on the action of gathering various pieces of information.

FAQs

How to use "obtaining documents" in a sentence?

"Obtaining documents" is generally used to describe the action of getting official records, papers, or files. For example: "The lawyer assisted the client in "obtaining documents" relevant to the case."

What can I say instead of "obtaining documents"?

You can use alternatives like "acquiring paperwork", "securing records", or "procuring documentation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "obtaining documents" or "to obtain documents"?

"Obtaining documents" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. "To obtain documents" is an infinitive phrase. Both can be grammatically correct, but their use depends on the sentence structure. Example: "The process involves "obtaining documents". (Gerund) vs "The goal is to obtain documents". (Infinitive)"

What's the difference between "obtaining documents" and "accessing documents"?

"Obtaining documents" typically implies acquiring physical or official copies, while "accessing documents" refers to gaining entry or viewing existing documents, often in a digital format. For instance, one might focus on "obtaining documents" from a government agency and then "accessing information" within them.