unfinished document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfinished document" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a document that has not been completed or finalized. For example, "I sent the unfinished document to my colleague for review." Alternative expressions include "incomplete document" and "draft document."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I see this almost as an unfinished document," she said about their study.

The New York Times

Mr. Zervakos said his company had several safeguards against early posting and that employees were trained to look for signs of an unfinished document and personal information, like Social Security numbers or home addresses, that is sometimes inadvertently included.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As in the original 'Prigioni' the classic figures are left unfinished, documenting the very history of their creation and transformation".

Vice

Because the tape was intended for use by only a very limited number of people in the film's advertising campaign, it was unfinished, the document says.

The New York Times

Edward T. Linenthal's book "The Unfinished Bombing" documents the evolution of the memorial for the Oklahoma City bombing of 1995.

The New Yorker

Unfinished Business documents the history and impact of California's paid family leave program, the first of its kind in the United States, which began in 2004.

Cornell University

The full story, including the genesis of Follow the Ecstasy that emerged from the unfinished biography, is documented in Robert Bonazzi's "Foreword" to the Orbis Books revised edition.].

Columbia University

Ms. Garton, who has received preliminary interest from the Discovery Channel for her unfinished film, is documenting the unusual life that has evolved in Yellowstone's thermal springs, and the scientists who study it.

The New York Times

To survive, its chairman, Marcel Beaudry, planned its new visionary document, pulling unfinished schemes together.Enter, last November, Mr Chrétien, eager to leave his stamp on the city.

The Economist

The policy document remained unfinished because American negotiators had rejected much of the language proposed by the seven other Arctic nations.

The New Yorker

Yet many difficult issues are impeding progress on that document and the unfinished peace process, none more contentious than the fate of more than 19,000 former Maoist combatants who have spent more than three years inside camps monitored by the United Nations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always specify which sections of the "unfinished document" are incomplete to avoid misleading your audience.

Common error

Don't assume your reader knows the document is "unfinished". Clearly state it, or you risk them misinterpreting the content as final and complete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfinished document" functions as an adjective-noun combination. The adjective "unfinished" modifies the noun "document", specifying its state of completion. As suggested by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and well-suited for indicating a document that is not yet final.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfinished document" is a grammatically correct and common phrase used to describe a document that is not yet complete. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase serves to indicate a document's status, helping to manage expectations or solicit further input. The phrase's usage spans various contexts, including news, academia, and business, with a neutral register that suits diverse audiences. For related terms, consider alternatives such as "incomplete record" or "draft version". When using the term, be sure to clarify the specific parts that are incomplete to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfinalized document

Stresses that the document hasn't reached its final form.

draft version

Emphasizes the preliminary nature of the document, implying it's still under development.

uncompleted file

Highlights that the document still requires additional work to be finished.

incomplete record

Focuses on the lack of essential parts or details in the record.

preliminary document

Highlights that the document is in its early stages and subject to change.

developing document

Highlights the active, evolving nature of the document.

partially finished document

Implies some sections are done, but others remain to be completed.

work-in-progress file

Indicates active ongoing work on the file.

unpolished draft

Emphasizes that the document is rough and needs refinement.

rough copy

Suggests the document is a preliminary version with potential for significant revisions.

FAQs

What does "unfinished document" mean?

An "unfinished document" refers to a document that is not yet complete or finalized. It may be missing information, require further revisions, or still be in the process of being created.

What can I say instead of "unfinished document"?

You can use alternatives like "incomplete record", "draft version", or "unfinalized document" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "unfinished document"?

It is appropriate to use the term "unfinished document" when you need to clearly communicate that a document is not yet in its final form and may be subject to change or completion.

How does an "unfinished document" differ from a "complete document"?

An "unfinished document" is still in progress, whereas a "complete document" is considered final and includes all necessary information and revisions.