official document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "official document" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "I received an official document confirming my registration for the course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the first time, the party officially stated its socialist element in an official document.

The Guardian

"It's not an official document".

The New York Times

"Passports, that is an official document.

The New York Times

"Do Not Destroy" and "Official Document" emblazoned the envelope.

The New York Times

It doesn't name your parents, but it's an official document.

The Guardian

It being an official document, I wash my hands before I open and read it: FUCK.

The New Yorker

"All requestors are instructed to never refer to Hemisphere in any official document," one slide says.

The New York Times

The official document correctly notes two years of college and no degree.

The New Yorker

Natasha Sauven, a paediatrician, described an official document outlining drug procurement as "quite frankly fantasy".

The Economist

He repeated the claim in an official document called Science to Inform TB Policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Verisimilitude is critical: White House letterheads, government fonts, official document formatting and style.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific "official document", provide its full title and issuing organization for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "official document" when you simply mean an authentic or genuine document. "Official" implies authorization by an authority, while "authentic" refers to the document being genuine.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "official document" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that it refers to a written or printed paper recognized and sanctioned by an authority. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "official document" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a record recognized by an authority. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals its widespread usage across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. It's crucial to use "official document" when referring to authorized records, distinguishing them from authentic but non-official papers. Alternatives like "formal record" or "legal document" may be suitable depending on the specific context. Remember to provide specifics about the document's title and issuing body for increased clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Formal record

Emphasizes the structured and conventional nature of the document.

Legal document

Highlights the document's relevance to laws and regulations.

Government record

Specifies that the document originates from a governmental body.

Certified paper

Stresses the authentication and validation aspect of the document.

Authentic instrument

Focuses on the genuineness and validity of the document.

Validated form

Implies that the document has been officially approved.

Recognized credential

Highlights the document's role in confirming qualifications or status.

Endorsed certificate

Indicates the document has received formal approval or support.

Chartered instrument

Suggests the document establishes or defines something formally.

Authoritative report

Stresses the reliability and credibility of the information contained.

FAQs

How to use "official document" in a sentence?

You can use "official document" to refer to a document recognized by an authority. For example, "A passport is an "official document" used for international travel."

What can I say instead of "official document"?

You can use alternatives like "formal record", "legal document", or "government record" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "official document" and "formal document"?

"Official document" implies endorsement by an authority, while "formal document" simply refers to a document that adheres to specific conventions. An "official document" is often also a formal document, but not all formal documents are official.

Is a contract considered an "official document"?

A contract can be an "official document" if it's recognized and endorsed by a relevant authority or governed by specific regulations. However, generally it is considered a "legal document".