the following document

USAGE SUMMARY

"the following document" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce or refer to a document that has been mentioned previously or will be mentioned soon after. For example: "The following document outlines the guidelines for the company's new corporate policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Pringsheim, see the following document.

Princeton University

On Einstein's visitors, see the following document.

Princeton University

See the following document for Mirimanoff's reaction.

Princeton University

For more information, please download the following document.

Columbia University

Dated on the assumption that this letter is the one Zangger mentions in the following document.

Princeton University

The following document Should I Retake the MCAT? may help in thinking through this decision.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The Care Programme consists of the following documents: (1) the Care Guide for the Last Days of Life, (2) supportive documentation and (3) an implementation guide.

BMC Geriatrics

Most of the following documents are in PDF format.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So we've factored them out into the following documents.

Cornell University

The following documents were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request to the National Archives.

The New Yorker

To apply, you may need to submit the following documents as part of your application.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the following document", ensure the document is readily accessible or immediately follows the reference to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the following document" if the document isn't clearly identified or immediately available, as this can confuse the reader. Instead, provide a direct link or precise location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the following document" functions as a demonstrative phrase, specifically pointing to a document that will be presented or discussed immediately after. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

46%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

News & Media

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the following document" is a grammatically correct and widely used demonstrative phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard expression. It serves to direct attention to a specific document presented or discussed subsequently, with its primary function being to provide additional information, details, or instructions. The expression is predominantly utilized in academic and scientific contexts but also appears frequently in formal business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure the referenced document is clearly identified and readily accessible for optimal clarity. Alternatives such as "the attached document" or "the subsequent document" may be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the attached document

Replaces "following" with "attached", implying that the document is physically or digitally connected to the current context.

the subsequent document

Substitutes "following" with "subsequent", maintaining a formal tone and emphasizing temporal sequence.

the document below

Indicates that the document is located directly underneath the current text.

the document outlined below

More descriptive, specifying that the document is not just present, but also detailed further down.

the upcoming document

Uses "upcoming" instead of "following", suggesting anticipation or a future reveal of the document.

the aforementioned document

Refers to a document previously mentioned, adding a formal touch.

see the report below

Less formal, replacing document with report, suggesting a specific type of document.

refer to the document below

Explicitly directs the reader to consult the document.

the file below

More generic, replacing document with file, indicating digital format.

consult the enclosed document

Replaces "following" with "enclosed", implying it is within the same package or communication.

FAQs

How do I use "the following document" in a sentence?

Use "the following document" to introduce a document that you are about to present or refer to. For example, "The following document outlines our new privacy policy."

What can I say instead of "the following document"?

You can use alternatives such as "the attached document", "the subsequent document", or "refer to the document below" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "please see the following document"?

While not strictly redundant, "please see" can be implied. Using just "the following document" is often sufficient and more concise.

What's the difference between "the following documents" and "the following document"?

"The following documents" refers to multiple documents, while "the following document" refers to a single document. Ensure your phrasing matches the number of documents you are referencing.