to be documented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be documented" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use this phrase to describe an action or process that must be recorded in some way for future reference or review. For example, you might say "All customer requests must be documented in the database for future use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I felt it had to be documented.

The New York Times

This has to be documented," Ms. Levine said.

The New York Times

All his life seems to be documented in this phone.

The Guardian

"It had to be documented, stored somewhere, for my children, and their children, to see".

The Guardian

The checks are supposed to be documented in a signed, sworn log.

The New York Times

Conrad continued with music, keen for his 60s experiments to be documented.

The Guardian - Music

"I knew this place had to be documented before it completely disappears," he said.

The New Yorker

The only thing that has to be documented is how many lives are saved".

The New York Times

But some people might not wish to be documented this way.

The New York Times

Many species of flora and fauna have yet to be documented systematically.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The process is to be documented over 64 days with daily photographs added to the wall.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be documented" when you want to emphasize the necessity of recording information for future reference, accountability, or analysis. For instance, "All experimental procedures need "to be documented" thoroughly."

Common error

Avoid using "to be documented" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler phrases like "to be noted" or "to be recorded" would suffice. "To be documented" carries a formal tone and might sound overly bureaucratic in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be documented" functions as a passive infinitive indicating the necessity of recording or formalizing information. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, which identifies it as correct and usable in written English. The examples show it frequently used in contexts where formal recording is essential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

51%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be documented" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves primarily to emphasize the necessity of formally recording information. Its usage is most prevalent in scientific and news contexts, maintaining a formal tone suitable for professional settings. For more casual settings simpler alternatives can be used. When considering related phrases, "to be recorded" and "to be registered" offer subtle variations in meaning. The best practice is to reserve "to be documented" for situations where formal recording is paramount, avoiding overuse in informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be recorded

Focuses on the act of capturing data for preservation, differing in its emphasis on the recording process.

to be registered

Emphasizes formal entry into a system or list, suggesting a more official recording process.

to be logged

Implies a sequential record of events or actions, often in a technical context.

to be chronicled

Suggests a detailed and historical account, emphasizing the narrative aspect of documentation.

to be archived

Highlights the preservation of information for long-term storage and retrieval.

to be formalized

Indicates the process of making something official or structured through documentation.

to be registered officially

Specifies that the act of recording is done with formal recognition and authority.

to be captured

Highlights the act of seizing or obtaining information, differing in its focus on acquisition.

to be registered by authorities

Focuses on registration under an official or governing body.

to be kept on record

Underlines the act of retaining data for future reference, with emphasis on maintenance.

FAQs

How can I use "to be documented" in a sentence?

Use "to be documented" to indicate that something needs to be formally recorded or written down. For example, "All safety violations have to be documented for review".

What is a formal alternative to "to be documented"?

A formal alternative to "to be documented" is "to be registered", which emphasizes a more official and systematic recording process.

When should I use "to be recorded" instead of "to be documented"?

Use "to be recorded" when the focus is on capturing data, whereas "to be documented" implies a more comprehensive and formalized process.

What does it mean when something needs "to be documented"?

When something needs "to be documented", it means that it must be written down, recorded, or otherwise formally registered for future reference or accountability.