to document something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to document something' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe the action of recording details, information, or evidence about something. For example: "We need to document all the changes we made in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It's meant to document something important?

The New York Times - Books

"The idea of Dischord was to document something that already had energy.

The New York Times - Arts

What we needed in this show was art's equivalent of Don McCullin, someone who dared to document something really dangerous.

Independent

"And I had a chance to document something very unique -how would I be able to sound in the middle of a rock-and-roll tour?

The New York Times - Arts

It was just the most effective medium to document something.

Huffington Post

After he won, I asked him to send me somewhere to document something exciting.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

We wanted to document something--make a record, after seven years--and we thought, "This is the repertoire we've done the most and we really feel comfortable with".

Huffington Post

Unnecessary workload demands came from duplicate processes such as the need to enter the same patient information in two data systems, a community matron explains how it impacted her: " that is very very time consuming, when you are having to actually document something twice.

BMC Health Services Research

The video doesn't focus on the specs of the forthcoming phones but discusses how they might be marketed — positing the idea that Lady Gaga could be among a group of celebrities (and 'non celebrities') who will be given one of the BB10 devices for 24 hours to use it to create or document something before passing the device on to the next person.

TechCrunch

"It is harder to do what she does than it is to work and document something.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You want to capture and document something in the moment so it will stay just that way forever.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to document something", consider the specific type of documentation you're referring to. Be precise about what you're documenting (e.g., processes, events, data) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to document something" vaguely. Instead of saying "We need to document something", specify what needs documenting and why (e.g., "We need to document the experimental results to ensure reproducibility").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to document something" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It indicates the reason or intention behind an action, as seen in the Ludwig examples where individuals or organizations aim to record details or information for preservation or analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to document something" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to express the intention of recording or preserving information. According to Ludwig, it's considered usable in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific reports. While versatile, specifying what you intend to document enhances clarity. When considering alternatives, options like "to record something" or "to chronicle something" may offer more specific nuances depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to record something

Focuses on the act of making a record, often implying preservation for future reference.

to chronicle something

Emphasizes a detailed and chronological account of events.

to keep a record of something

A more verbose alternative that emphasizes the act of maintaining a record.

to capture something

Highlights the act of seizing or preserving something, often visually or auditorily.

to put something on record

Implies making something officially or publicly known.

to register something

Implies a formal or official recording of information.

to make a note of something

Suggests a brief or informal recording of information.

to archive something

Focuses on preserving something in a retrievable format for long-term storage.

to log something

Suggests a systematic recording of events or data in a specific format.

to preserve something

Emphasizes the act of maintaining something in its original condition.

FAQs

How can I use "to document something" in a sentence?

You can use "to document something" to describe the act of recording details, information, or evidence. For example, "The purpose of the study was "to document something" previously unknown about pack dynamics."

What are some alternatives to "to document something"?

Alternatives include "to record something", "to chronicle something", or "to capture something", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what I am documenting when using "to document something"?

While not always necessary, being specific about what you are documenting enhances clarity. Instead of just saying you want "to document something", specify what that "something" is for better communication.

What's the difference between "to document something" and "to record something"?

While similar, "to document something" often implies a more thorough and systematic approach than "to record something". Documentation often involves collecting, organizing, and preserving information for future reference, whereas recording may be more immediate.