underlying documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying documents" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the supporting or foundational documents that provide evidence or context for a particular situation or argument. You can use "underlying documents" when discussing legal cases, financial records, research projects, or any other situation where there are primary documents that serve as a basis for further analysis or decisions. For example: - "The lawyer requested copies of the underlying documents in order to build a strong case for her client's innocence." - "The research team carefully reviewed the underlying documents to ensure the accuracy of their findings." - "The auditor found discrepancies between the company's financial statements and the underlying documents, raising concerns about potential fraud." - "In order to fully understand the context of the historical event, the historian delved into the underlying documents, such as diaries and letters from those involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It was Jacques Baute, a veteran I.A.E.A. inspector, who discovered that the underlying documents were fraudulent.

The New York Times - Magazine

Party leaders called for the report to be released in full, along with the underlying documents.

The Washington Post

And in three of those four instances, the underlying documents proved incorrect.

The New York Times

To get acceptable ID, many people would be forced to pay fees for underlying documents, such as birth certificates.

The New York Times

Like many other Democrats, they called for Congress to be given access to the full report and all underlying documents.

The New York Times

A constitutional battle was brewing, as Democrats swiftly demanded the release of the full report and any underlying documents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Sometimes the underlying document supports the original point I was investigating; sometimes it doesn't.

Forbes

We have designed the DB-SECaaS system to provide protection to the underlying document-oriented NoSQL database by providing certain security features.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

With these motivations, we have developed the DB-SECaaS system that protects the underlying document-oriented database in cloud by providing authentication, fine-grained authorization, and data encryption services.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

said that the government had found no evidence of "systemic issues in the underlying legal documents".

The New York Times

Mr. Nadler also sounded a call for Mr. Mueller to turn over all of his underlying investigative documents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex reports or analyses, specify which "underlying documents" are most critical for readers to understand the conclusions. This provides transparency and allows for independent verification.

Common error

Don't assume your audience understands the significance of the "underlying documents". Briefly explain their purpose and relevance to the main subject, especially if they're not easily accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying documents" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the object of a preposition. It identifies the foundational materials upon which a report, analysis, or conclusion is based. Ludwig provides various examples illustrating its use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

32%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "underlying documents" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to denote the foundational materials that underpin analyses, reports, or claims. Predominantly found in contexts such as News & Media and Academia, its function is to lend credibility by pointing to a verifiable evidentiary basis. While versatile, ensure clarity by specifying the "underlying documents'" relevance. Consider alternatives like "source documents" or "supporting documentation" based on context to refine meaning and avoid assumptions about reader understanding. In summary, this term effectively signals a commitment to transparency and evidence-based reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

source documents

Focuses on the origin of the documents.

supporting documentation

Highlights the role of the documents in providing support or proof.

original documents

Emphasizes the documents' status as the first or primary versions.

base documents

Stresses the role of the documents as a foundation or starting point.

foundational papers

More formal and emphasizes the role of the documents as establishing a basis for something.

substantiating records

Focuses on the role of the documents in providing evidence or verification.

root documents

Implies the documents are the ultimate source or origin.

background materials

Focuses on the context and information provided by the documents.

constituent papers

Emphasizes the role of the documents as components of a larger whole.

elementary papers

Highlights the documents' role as initial pieces of information

FAQs

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

You can use "underlying documents" to refer to foundational materials that support a claim or analysis. For example, "The investigation relied heavily on the "underlying documents" to establish the facts of the case."

What's the difference between "source documents" and "underlying documents"?

"Source documents" specifically indicates the origin of information, while "underlying documents" refers more broadly to any foundational materials, not necessarily original, that provide context or evidence.

What can I say instead of "underlying documents"?

You can use alternatives like "supporting documentation", "original documents", or "base documents" depending on the context.

Are "underlying documents" always public records?

Not necessarily. Whether "underlying documents" are public depends on the context. Some may be confidential or proprietary, while others are part of the public record. It depends on the specific situation and applicable laws.