thin document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thin document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a document that has a small amount of content or is not substantial in terms of information. Example: "The report was a thin document, lacking the detailed analysis we expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Their dossier consisted of a thin document based mainly on her run for governor and newspaper clips.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Reduction in macular thickness with accompanying peripapillary RNFL thinning was documented in a migraine patient [ 27].

BMC Ophthalmology

However, a thinning trend documented over the last 30 years suggests maximum ice thickness have declined by 15 cm/decade and now are often less than 1.5 m thick by late April (Arp et al. 2012).

Environmental Management

This is in line with findings from previous studies concerning various animal models for OA, where subchondral plate thinning was documented in the early stage of the disease [ 10, 11, 38, 39].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Inside each enclosure is a thin, perforated aluminum document platform that stands about an inch high on three, snap-out posts.

The New York Times - Science

At some point conflicting values will become an overwhelming theme, tested by events rather than a carefully mapped-out, but evasively thin five-page document published yesterday by the two parties.

Independent

Thin clear plastic document sleeves will work for this.

WikiHow

The list showed prices for "creating" — that is, conjuring from thin air — various documents that the trust owning the loan should already have on hand.

The New York Times

It's a very thin line between documenting something and actually interfering with police officers.

Vice

Due to the growing number of documented thin and long cell protrusions in tissue implicated in cell-to-cell signaling, it is intriguing to speculate that TNT-like structures also exist in vivo and participate in important physiological processes.

Histochemistry and Cell Biology

In the current study, we have attempted to identify gene expression patterns that segregate non-metastatic tumors from MM, further examining thin PCM tumors to document the emergence of the metastatic signature.

BMC Medical Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thin document", consider the specific context. Is it physically thin, or lacking in substance? Choose synonyms like "sparse" or "slender" for greater precision if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "thin document" if the issue is not the amount of content, but rather the accuracy or reliability of the information. In such cases, "unreliable document" or "flawed document" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin document" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "thin" modifies the noun "document". It describes a quality of the document, indicating its lack of substance or detail. Ludwig confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thin document" describes a document lacking substance or detail. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable, though relatively rare. When using this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning – is it physically thin, or lacking in information? If necessary, explore alternatives like ""sparse document"" or ""slender document"" for greater precision. Remember that while it is found in news, science, and wiki contexts, it is generally considered to have a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sparse document

Emphasizes the lack of information or detail within the document.

scant document

Similar to sparse, but suggests a deficiency or inadequacy of information.

slender document

Focuses on the physical size and lack of bulk of the document.

slim document

Indicates that the document is concise and brief, possibly lacking depth.

lean document

Focuses on efficiency and conciseness, suggesting a document that is stripped down to essential information.

flimsy document

Highlights the lack of solidity or strength in the document, both physically and metaphorically.

fragile document

Emphasizes the document's delicate or easily damaged nature, shifting the focus from content to physical properties.

lightweight document

Suggests a document that is not burdensome or complex, potentially lacking detailed analysis.

fragile report

Emphasizes the delicate or easily damaged nature of the report, shifting the focus from content to the validity.

weak document

Highlights the document's lack of convincing evidence or strong arguments.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe a document as "thin"?

Calling a document "thin" implies that it is lacking in substance, detail, or thoroughness. It might be physically small, but more often suggests a lack of comprehensive information.

What can I say instead of "thin document"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "thin document" include "sparse document", "slender document", "flimsy document", or "scant document". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the document's deficiency.

Is it acceptable to describe evidence as a "thin document"?

While "thin document" usually refers to the document itself, you might describe evidence presented in a document as "thin" if the evidence is unconvincing or insufficient. Consider saying "the evidence is "weak evidence"" instead to be more precise.

Which is correct, "thin document" or "thin documentation"?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. "Thin document" refers to a single, insubstantial document. "Thin documentation" refers to a collection of documents that, as a whole, lack depth or completeness.