the paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the paper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific document, article, or piece of writing, often in academic or formal contexts. Example: "I need to review the paper before the meeting to ensure I understand the key points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The paper.

The New Yorker

The paper didn't arrive.

The New York Times

The paper did not.

The New York Times

Here's the paper (pdf).

The New York Times

I read the paper.

The New York Times

The paper wasn't alone.

The New Yorker

I changed the paper.

The New York Times

The paper is expanding.

Forbes

Related site The paper.

Science Magazine

Unfold the paper completely.

WikiHow

Roll the paper.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the paper" in academic writing, ensure you clearly define which specific paper you're referring to, especially if multiple papers are discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "the paper" repeatedly in a single paragraph without clarifying which specific document you mean. This can lead to confusion. Use more specific terms or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the paper" primarily functions as a definite noun phrase, specifying a particular document, article, or publication. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from academic research to news reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

30%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the paper" is a versatile phrase used to refer to a specific document, article, or publication. According to Ludwig, it functions as a definite noun phrase with a generally neutral to formal register. It is commonly found in news media, wiki articles, and scientific contexts. To ensure clarity, especially in academic writing, always specify which paper you are referring to. Avoid overuse without clear reference to prevent confusion. By considering these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately use "the paper" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the document

Replaces "paper" with a more general term for a written work.

the article

Specifically refers to a piece of writing in a publication.

the publication

Focuses on the published form of the writing.

the study

Implies a more formal or research-oriented document.

the report

Highlights the informational aspect of the document.

the newspaper

Refers specifically to a daily or weekly news publication.

the journal

Implies an academic or specialized publication.

the manuscript

Refers to the original, often unpublished, version of a document.

the essay

Highlights a short, focused piece of writing.

the white paper

Specifically indicates a government or authoritative report.

FAQs

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

You can use "the paper" to refer to a specific document, article, or piece of writing. For example, "I need to review "the paper" before the meeting to ensure I understand the key points."

What can I say instead of "the paper"?

You can use alternatives like "the document", "the article", or "the study" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the paper" or "this paper"?

Both ""the paper"" and "this paper" are grammatically correct, but "this paper" is used when you are directly referring to a specific paper at hand, whereas ""the paper"" refers to a specific document previously mentioned or understood in context.

When is it appropriate to use "the paper" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use ""the paper"" in formal writing when referring to a specific, already identified document or research paper. Be sure the reference is clear to your audience.