the document in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the document in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific document that has been previously mentioned or is under discussion. Example: "In the meeting, we reviewed the document in question to clarify our next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"In my opinion, the document in question was produced much later" than 2006, he wrote.

The New Yorker

The document in question is referred to in the law as the "Renewable Electricity Transmission Study".

The New Yorker

We have not seen the document in question and we were not party to it.

Independent

In traditional search, the principal evidence considered was the main text of the document in question.

Cornell University

As troubling as this is, the fact is that Mr. Bacanovic was acquitted of altering the document in question.

The New York Times

The company replied that the document in question appeared to be dated 2007 and instead directed the Guardian to Arcadia Group's code of conduct, dated May 2015.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mo said the documents in question were rules for government agencies in handling petitions from citizens.

The Washington Post

The U.C.S. rejected his requests multiple times until, on July 13th, Smith issued a subpoena demanding the documents in question.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hanft said he had not seen the documents in question and could not comment on them directly.

The New York Times

Technically, this model scales texts into a multidimensional set of topics that reflect underlying themes of the documents in question.

The Washington Post

"Australia returned the documents in question in the dispute in good faith, without acknowledgment that Australia had violated Timor-Leste's sovereign rights," the ministers said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the document in question" when you need to refer back to a specific document already introduced in the conversation or writing, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the document in question" when a simpler reference like "the document" or "it" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the document in question" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a particular document that is the focus of attention. As shown by Ludwig, it clarifies which document is being discussed or analyzed, especially in contexts involving multiple documents.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the document in question" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer to a specific document that has been previously mentioned or is under discussion. Ludwig confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While highly functional for clarity, overuse should be avoided in favor of simpler references when possible. Related phrases like "the relevant document" or "the aforementioned document" can provide stylistic variety. Ludwig.ai’s analysis underscores the phrase's value in precise communication, ensuring that the intended document is clearly identified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the relevant document

Focuses on the document's importance to the current discussion.

the subject document

Emphasizes that the document is the main topic.

the aforementioned document

Specifically refers to a document previously mentioned.

the document under consideration

Highlights that the document is being actively evaluated.

the paper in question

Uses "paper" as a synonym for document, common in academic contexts.

the item in question

Broadens the reference to include non-document items.

the specific document

Emphasizes the document's particularity and uniqueness.

the matter at hand

Shifts focus from the document to the issue being addressed.

the document being reviewed

Highlights the action being performed on the document.

said document

More formal and legalistic way to refer back to a document.

FAQs

How to use "the document in question" in a sentence?

Use "the document in question" to refer to a specific document that has already been mentioned or is the main topic of discussion. For example, "After reviewing the evidence, we focused on "the document in question" to determine its authenticity."

What can I say instead of "the document in question"?

You can use alternatives like "the relevant document", "the aforementioned document", or "the subject document depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "the document in question"?

It's appropriate when you need to clearly identify a specific document that has been previously referenced, especially when multiple documents are involved in the discussion. This helps avoid confusion and ensures the reader knows which document you're referring to.

What is the difference between "the document in question" and "the document at hand"?

"The document in question" refers to a document previously mentioned or under specific scrutiny, while "the document at hand" usually refers to the document currently being considered or worked on. The former has a sense of inquiry or specific relevance established earlier, while the latter suggests immediate focus.