the documents were submitted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the documents were submitted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that documents have been formally handed over or delivered, often in a professional or academic context. Example: "After reviewing the requirements, I can confirm that the documents were submitted on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The documents were submitted to the Boone County recorder of deeds as though they were genuine, Mr. Koster said.

The New York Times

The documents were submitted a day after Jamie McCourt filed divorce papers seeking to regain her $2 million-a-year million-a-year million-a-year

The New York Times

The documents were submitted on Friday in federal court in Newark in an employment lawsuit brought against Community Education by a former executive.

The New York Times

"The documents were submitted by three Federal Home Loan Banks, in Boston, Chicago and Indianapolis, and Triaxx, an investment vehicle that bought mortgage securities.

The New York Times

The documents were submitted just hours after Hart announced he was taking early retirement.  .

Huffington Post

When the documents were submitted to the US Senate for ratification, the details of the terms of annexation became public and the question of acquiring Texas took center stage in the presidential election of 1844.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The documents are submitted for approval, and the HR reps can see what areas where action is required or fields are missing.

TechCrunch

Once the documents are submitted you will be acknowledged for the same.

WikiHow

The document was submitted to the high court for a public hearing last month.

The Guardian

The document was submitted to the Legislature during the period when inspectors were elected.

Cornell University

"Thank God we hear no more of Weights and Measures," his wife wrote to the elder John Adams, once the document was submitted to Congress.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify to whom the documents were submitted and the purpose of the submission. This provides crucial context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the documents were submitted" in casual conversation. It sounds overly formal and may be perceived as pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "handed in" or "turned in" for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the documents were submitted" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that a set of documents has undergone the action of being submitted. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and appropriate for various formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the documents were submitted" is a grammatically correct and professionally appropriate way to express that documents have been formally presented. As Ludwig AI states, the expression is valid in English. While not overly common, its use is well-suited to formal settings like legal, academic, and business environments. The phrase's passive voice emphasizes the action rather than the actor, making it useful for objective reporting. Alternative phrases, such as "the paperwork was filed" or "the files were handed in", may be more appropriate in less formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the paperwork was filed

Replaces "documents" with "paperwork" and "submitted" with "filed", implying a more administrative or official process.

the files were handed in

Uses simpler vocabulary; "files" instead of "documents", and "handed in" instead of "submitted", making it less formal.

the papers were presented

Substitutes "documents" with "papers" and "submitted" with "presented", which suggests a more formal or ceremonial delivery.

the dossier was lodged

Employs the word "dossier", implying a comprehensive collection of documents, and "lodged", which suggests official registration.

the application was tendered

Replaces "documents" with "application" focusing on the content and "submitted" with "tendered" suggesting a formal offer or bid.

the materials were provided

Uses a more generic term, "materials", and "provided", indicating a simple act of supplying the items.

the records were delivered

Replaces "documents" with "records", implying official data, and "submitted" with "delivered", a more general term for transfer.

the forms were turned in

Focuses on "forms" instead of documents and uses the phrasal verb "turned in", making it less formal and more direct.

the brief was filed with the court

Specifies the type of document as a "brief" and adds context by indicating where it was filed.

documentation has been forwarded

Changes the structure to passive voice and uses "documentation" to focus on the entire process of providing official papers.

FAQs

What does "the documents were submitted" mean?

It means that the documents have been formally presented or delivered to someone or some entity for their consideration, review, or action.

How can I use "the documents were submitted" in a sentence?

You might say, "After the revisions were completed, "the documents were submitted" to the committee for approval."

What can I say instead of "the documents were submitted"?

You can use alternatives like "the paperwork was filed", "the files were handed in", or "the papers were presented" depending on the context.

Is "the documents were submitted" formal language?

Yes, this phrase is generally considered formal and is best suited for professional, academic, or official contexts.