on a documentary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a documentary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific documentary film or program, often in the context of discussing its content or themes. Example: "The filmmaker made a compelling argument on a documentary about climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Currently working on a documentary.

Vice

I clicked on a documentary called Illusionati.

Vice

You are working on a documentary.

The New York Times

He has also been working on a documentary about Lt.

The New York Times

Vinha was working on a documentary film about environmental destruction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The pair later collaborated on a documentary about Gregory Peck.

Princeton University

In Edelstein's production, we are, instead, let in on a documentary.

The New Yorker

He is working on a documentary about the expedition called "A Baseball Story Never Told".

The New York Times - Sports

Swales and Mikkel Borch-Jacobsen are now collaborating on a documentary.

The New Yorker

Josh, a filmmaker, has toiled for eight years on a documentary.

The New Yorker

He worked with Guardian Films on a documentary about modern-day slavery in Assam.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a documentary", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject matter or focus of your work or discussion. Providing specific details about the documentary's topic or angle can add clarity and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "on a documentary" when "in a documentary" is more appropriate, such as when referring to something contained within the film itself rather than the overall project or subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a documentary" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun. It specifies the subject, focus, or topic being addressed or worked upon. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is valid and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a documentary" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify the subject or focus of a documentary film. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase. Its versatility allows it to be used in various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic discussions. While interchangeable with alternatives like "about a documentary", the specific context should guide your choice to ensure accuracy. Remember, using "on" typically refers to the overall topic, while "in" refers to something contained within the film itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

About a documentary

Emphasizes the topic or subject matter of the documentary.

In documentary filmmaking

Focuses on the broader practice of creating documentaries, rather than a specific project.

Concerning a documentary film

Highlights the subject or topic that the documentary addresses.

Regarding a documentary

Similar to 'concerning', but often used to introduce a specific point or question.

Related to a documentary

Suggests a connection or association with the documentary's subject or production.

For a documentary project

Specifically refers to work being done as a part of the documentary.

While filming a documentary

Highlights the action of recording footage for a documentary.

Documentary-related

Adjectival form indicating something that pertains to documentaries.

Working in documentaries

Focuses on the field or career of making documentaries.

During the documentary's production

Focuses on the period when the documentary is being made.

FAQs

How can I use "on a documentary" in a sentence?

You can use "on a documentary" to describe the topic or focus of a documentary, as in "She's working "on a documentary" about climate change".

What are some alternatives to "on a documentary"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "about a documentary", "regarding a documentary", or "concerning a documentary film".

Is it correct to say "in a documentary" instead of "on a documentary"?

Both "on a documentary" and "in a documentary" can be correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "On a documentary" typically refers to the subject or focus, while "in a documentary" refers to something featured within the film.

What is the difference between working "on a documentary" and working "in a documentary"?

Working "on a documentary" suggests involvement in the production or creation of the film. Working "in a documentary" implies being featured or participating as a subject within the film.