paperwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paperwork" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the documents, forms, or administrative tasks that need to be completed, often in a professional or bureaucratic context. Example: "Before we can proceed with your application, please ensure that all the necessary paperwork is submitted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We don't know who they were because they wouldn't tell us and have not provided us with any paperwork.

The Guardian

"He said he didn't have time to mess around, and he did the paperwork there and then and paid a year's rent up front".

The Guardian - Money

Health and safety forms are an obstacle, so be prepared for paperwork, he adds.

The Guardian

If you're 15 or younger, you need to ask your parent or guardian to do a bit of paperwork on your behalf and fill out this consent form so we know they are happy for you to be involved in the site.

The Guardian - Books

There are gratuitous new restrictions on an already heavily curtailed right to strike, plans to rob the earnings of migrants who may work hard but lack the proper paperwork, and such a sweeping ban on legal highs that government lawyers could soon be fretting about accidentally criminalising sweets that give a sugar rush.

The Guardian - Opinion

Officers completed paperwork over Gray's arrest, placed him in leg shackles, and according to charges laid against all six officers involved in the incident, placed Gray "on his stomach, headfirst on to the floor" back into the van without a seatbelt.

The Guardian

We know paperwork is a bit boring, but it is really important.

The Guardian - Books

ATR submitted registration documents three times, but the agency rejected them because of supposed mistakes in the paperwork, Memetov said.

The Guardian

The court of appeal last year declared the fund's closure illegal; but armed with some extra paperwork Duncan Smith and his ministers reannounced its abolition by next March.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some would be having a brief look at the paperwork and deciding whether the centre of main interest was in England or not".

The Guardian

I am tired of the punitive practice, the fear, the paperwork, the audits, the inspections and the nights on the sofa sobbing after another dreadful shift.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "paperwork", consider the audience and context. If you want to emphasize the tedious or bureaucratic nature of the task, the word is appropriate. If you want to be more neutral or formal, use "documentation" or "administrative tasks".

Common error

Avoid using "paperwork" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise term like "documentation", "records", or "regulatory filings" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The noun "paperwork" functions as a countable or uncountable noun depending on the context. It generally refers to the administrative documents and tasks required for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI states that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "paperwork" is a common and generally acceptable term for referring to administrative documents and tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While broadly applicable, it is advisable to consider context and opt for more formal alternatives like "documentation" in academic or highly professional settings. The term is most frequently encountered in news and media sources, where it's used to describe a range of bureaucratic processes. When using "paperwork", think about the level of formality required and the message you wish to convey. Finally, avoid overusing it in formal documents to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

documentation

Focuses on the aspect of providing documented evidence or information, often in a more formal or official setting.

administrative tasks

Emphasizes the actions and duties involved in managing and organizing documents, shifting the focus from the physical papers to the activities.

forms

Highlights the specific documents requiring completion, useful when emphasizing the act of filling out information.

red tape

Implies excessive bureaucracy and complicated procedures associated with paperwork, conveying a negative connotation.

official forms

Specifically refers to standardized documents used by an institution or organization.

regulatory filings

Highlights documents required by regulations and implies compliance.

written records

Focuses on preserving data or information, especially for historical purposes.

files

Refers to a collection of information and documents that pertain to a specific subject.

paper trail

Connotes a history or evidence of actions recorded via documentation, and is usually linked to investigation or forensic analysis.

business record keeping

Refers to the practice of documenting and maintaining financial and operational data in order to follow best practices.

FAQs

What does "paperwork" mean?

"Paperwork" refers to the documents, forms, and administrative tasks required for a particular process or job, often associated with bureaucracy or routine office work.

What are some synonyms for "paperwork"?

Alternatives to "paperwork" include "documentation", "administrative tasks", and "red tape" (if you want to emphasize bureaucracy).

How is "paperwork" used in a sentence?

You can use "paperwork" in sentences like: "The application requires a lot of paperwork" or "I'm swamped with paperwork this week".

Is it better to say "paperwork" or "documentation"?

While both terms refer to written documents, "documentation" is generally more formal and comprehensive. Use "documentation" in professional or academic contexts, and "paperwork" in more informal or general situations.