the document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific document that has been previously mentioned or is known to the reader. Example: "Please review the document I sent you last week and provide your feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Scott studied the document.

The New York Times

Read the document (PDF).

The New Yorker

Read the Document ».

The New York Times

Read the Document » OCT.

The New York Times

I have the document.

The Economist

He signed the document.

The New York Times

The document was a forgery.

The New York Times

The document has not survived.

The New Yorker

The document contained five principles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of the document, I mean".

The New Yorker

Popov snatched the document away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, clarify the type of "document" you are referencing (e.g., specification "document", design "document") to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "the document" without proper context. Always ensure the reader knows which specific "document" you are referring to, especially when multiple "documents" are involved. Provide unique identifiers or brief descriptions to differentiate them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the document" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it's a common and acceptable phrase in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it in use across varied contexts like "Read the document" or "He signed the document."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science & Research

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the document" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer to a specific written or digital record. As verified by Ludwig AI, its frequency is high across News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts. To use it effectively, ensure that the referenced "document" is clear to your audience. Be precise in differentiating "the document" from "a document", and avoid overuse without context. While the phrase itself carries a neutral register, contextual information contributes to its overall formality. Remember to use alternatives like "the file" or "the report" when appropriate for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the file

Replaces "document" with a more general term for a digital record.

the report

Specifies "document" as an account or statement.

the paper

Substitutes "document" with a term emphasizing its physical form.

the record

Replaces "document" with a term suggesting an official account.

the text

Focuses on the written content of "the document".

the submission

Replaces "document" emphasizing its act of submitting.

the manual

Replaces "document" emphasizing its informative purpose.

the certificate

Replaces "document" with another emphasizing its legal value.

the agreement

Specifies the "document" as a formal understanding.

the manuscript

Emphasizes "document" as an author's original work.

FAQs

How can I use "the document" in a sentence?

You can use "the document" to refer to a specific written or digital record, as in "Please review "the document" for any errors".

What are some alternatives to saying "the document"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the file", "the report", or "the paper".

Is it okay to start a sentence with "the document"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the document", especially when it's the subject of the sentence. For example: "The document details the project's progress."

What's the difference between "the document" and "a document"?

"The document" refers to a specific, previously mentioned, or understood "document". "A document" refers to any "document", without specifying which one. For instance, "I need to find a document" versus "I need to find "the document" you mentioned".