the documents in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the documents in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to specific documents that are being discussed or are relevant to a particular issue or inquiry. Example: "The committee reviewed the documents in question before making their final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

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

The Washington Post

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

The New York Times

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

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

The Washington Post

The documents in question belonged to the firm's top executives and general counsel, Laurie Ferber, who were largely employed by MF Global's parent company.

The New York Times

The documents in question have purportedly been provided by unknown, but necessarily highly placed, persons to a Chinese writer known only by the pseudonym Zong Hairen.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the documents in question", ensure the context makes it clear which specific documents you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing a brief description or reference point.

Common error

Avoid using "the documents in question" repeatedly without establishing which documents you are referring to. If the context doesn't clearly identify the documents, use a more specific term or rephrase the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the documents in question" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a determiner phrase identifying specific documents. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the documents in question" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to refer to specific documents under discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. Remember to ensure clarity by making it obvious which documents you are referring to. Alternatives like "the relevant documents" or "the subject documents" can be used for variety, while avoiding overuse without clear reference is a key practice. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the relevant documents

Focuses on the relevance of the documents to the topic at hand.

the documents at issue

Emphasizes that the documents are central to a dispute or legal matter.

the documents in evidence

Highlights the documents' role as proof or support in an argument.

the aforementioned documents

Refers back to documents that were previously mentioned.

the subject documents

Indicates that the documents are the main topic of discussion.

the cited documents

Stresses that the documents have been referenced or quoted.

the referenced documents

Highlights the fact that the documents are mentioned elsewhere.

the specified documents

Emphasizes that the documents have been clearly identified.

the materials in question

A broader term that includes documents but can also refer to other types of materials.

the papers under consideration

Highlights that the documents are being carefully examined.

FAQs

How can I use "the documents in question" in a sentence?

Use "the documents in question" to refer to specific papers or files that are currently being discussed or examined, for example: "The committee reviewed "the documents in question" before making a decision".

What's a more formal alternative to "the documents in question"?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "the aforementioned documents" or "the subject documents" for a more professional tone.

What can I say instead of "the documents in question" to sound less formal?

For less formal situations, consider using simpler alternatives such as "the relevant documents" or "the papers under consideration".

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

It's appropriate when you and your audience already know which specific documents you're talking about. If there's any ambiguity, it's better to use more specific language or rephrase the sentence to clarify the reference.