seminal document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seminal document" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a document that has had a significant impact or influence on a particular field or subject. Example: "The seminal document on climate change policy was published in the early 1990s and continues to shape discussions today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But Joyner's paper became the seminal document in the debate.

The Guardian - Sport

"This becomes the seminal document," said a Toronto bid official, Bob Richardson.

The Guardian - Sport

In September 1945, the US produced a seminal document called the Strategic Bombing Survey.

The Guardian - Opinion

One seminal document repudiated by the government was an August 2002 memo by the Justice Department.

The New York Times

In the baggy, emotionally fraught play, Heidi Schreck considers her ever-changing relationship with a seminal document.

The New York Times

Those lofty figures, along with the seminal document they brought forth, form a sacred part of our common heritage as Americans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Funk Power 1970: A Brand New Thang" (Polydor, 1996) took yet another look at the brief but influential Collins brothers lineup and the seminal documents of modern funk ("Sex Machine," "Super Bad," and more).

The New Yorker

Sometimes, but not always, the theory tends in popular parlance to be named after the author of these seminal documents, as is the case with Darwinism.

SEP

Many of the seminal documents regarding privacy practices were written decades ago, including the U.S. Privacy Act of 1974 and the OECD Guidelines of 1980.

Huffington Post

Patrick Wormald views the will as "one of the seminal documents of pre-Conquest history, and like many such not easily understood".

Wikipedia

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are arguably the most important and seminal documents in the history of mankind, and in their powerful wisdom, guidebooks for a free nation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seminal document", ensure the document has genuinely had a lasting and significant impact on its field. Avoid using it for works that are merely important or well-regarded.

Common error

Avoid using "seminal document" for works that are relatively recent or whose long-term impact is not yet fully established. Reserve it for documents with a proven track record of influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seminal document" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "seminal" modifies the noun "document". It describes a specific type of document that is highly influential and foundational. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a lasting impact on a particular field.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seminal document" is a phrase used to describe a highly influential and foundational text that has had a lasting impact on a particular field. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science and formal settings. When writing, ensure that the document you're describing genuinely warrants this strong designation. Alternatives include "foundational document" or "influential document". Overuse may weaken your writing, so apply the term judiciously to retain its intended effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundational document

Focuses on the idea that the document serves as a base or foundation for further developments.

influential document

Highlights the document's impact and ability to shape subsequent events or ideas.

pivotal document

Emphasizes the turning point or critical nature of the document.

groundbreaking document

Stresses the innovative and pioneering aspect of the document.

landmark document

Highlights the document's historical significance and importance.

significant document

Indicates the document's notable value and importance.

essential document

Focuses on the necessity and importance of the document.

critical document

Highlights the document's importance for analysis or understanding.

key document

Emphasizes the document's role as an essential piece of information.

fundamental document

Stresses the basic and essential nature of the document.

FAQs

What does "seminal document" mean?

A "seminal document" refers to a text that has had a significant and lasting impact on a particular field or area of study. It's considered highly influential and foundational.

How do I use "seminal document" in a sentence?

You can use "seminal document" to describe a book, article, or other text that has greatly influenced the development of a particular field. For example, "Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' is a "seminal document" in the field of biology."

What are some alternatives to "seminal document"?

Alternatives to "seminal document" include "foundational document", "influential document", or "groundbreaking document", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call a recent publication a "seminal document"?

While a recent publication might be promising, it's generally best to reserve the term "seminal document" for works that have demonstrated long-term influence and have been widely recognized as foundational over time. It's preferable to wait and see if its impact endures before applying such a label.