these documents

USAGE SUMMARY

"these documents" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when referring to a specific set of documents previously mentioned in the conversation. For example, "We need to make sure these documents are filed properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Will these documents inspire one final novel?

Independent

Nevertheless, these documents require attention.

The Guardian

Can they insist on seeing these documents?

Independent

What do these documents tell us?

The Guardian - Opinion

I will not comment on these documents.

The Guardian

But these documents go far beyond that.

The New Yorker

"I think these documents paint a much darker side".

The New York Times

"The problem is how to scan these documents".

The New York Times - Tech

"That's not the content of the majority of these documents.

The New York Times

The story these documents tell is ugly and often shocking.

The Guardian

These documents show his initial work in understanding calculus.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "these documents", ensure the context clearly indicates which documents you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly mentioning the documents beforehand.

Common error

Avoid using "these documents" without a clear prior reference. Ensure your audience knows precisely which documents you are discussing to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these documents" functions as a demonstrative determiner + noun. It points out specific documents that are known or have been previously referenced in the context. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase indicates items that are immediately relevant or under consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "these documents" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a specific set of documents that have been previously identified. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. To ensure clarity, it's essential to establish a clear reference for the documents being discussed. While highly versatile, "these documents" can be replaced with more formal alternatives such as "the aforementioned documents" or more general terms like "the specified documents". Remember to always ensure your audience understands precisely which documents you are referencing to avoid any potential confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the aforementioned documents

Replaces "these" with a more formal term indicating documents previously referred to.

the specified documents

Indicates documents identified by a specific criterion or instruction.

the mentioned documents

Similar to "aforementioned" but slightly less formal.

the papers in question

Refers to documents that are currently under discussion or scrutiny.

these files

Uses a more general term, "files", which can sometimes be interchangeable with "documents".

the records at hand

Indicates documents that are immediately available or being examined.

the relevant documents

Emphasizes that the documents are pertinent to a specific topic or issue.

the materials presented

Refers to documents that have been shown or introduced.

the data in question

Highlights the information contained within the documents, focusing on the data aspect.

the items listed

Refers to documents that are part of a list or inventory.

FAQs

How can I use "these documents" in a sentence?

You can use "these documents" to refer to a specific set of papers or files previously mentioned. For example, "After reviewing the evidence, I find that "these documents" clearly demonstrate a pattern of negligence."

What phrases can I use instead of "these documents"?

Alternatives include "the aforementioned documents", "the specified documents", or "the relevant documents", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "these documents"?

It is incorrect if the specific documents have not been previously identified or are unclear to the audience. Clarity is key when using demonstrative pronouns like "these".

What is the difference between "these documents" and "those documents"?

"These documents" typically refer to documents that are close in proximity or time, while "those documents" refer to documents that are further away or were mentioned earlier in the conversation.