various documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "various documents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a collection of different types of documents or papers. Example: "The committee reviewed various documents related to the project before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There are detailed requirements for filing the deferral election, including documentation, and copies of various documents.

Forbes

After she had meticulously inspected the various documents, the agent turned to me.

The New York Times

This is granted on production of a valid passport and various documents.

The Guardian - Money

I also interviewed quite a few guards and consulted various documents in the archives.

The Economist

They seized various documents but could find nothing linking him to either hack, so he was not arrested.

The Guardian - Opinion

That fact has puzzled all writers, because he mentioned her in various documents, including his last testament.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Published late last year, it is the group's first effort to bring together information in various documents and manuals.

The New York Times - Travel

It provided links to various documents in which people suggest two of the voluntary schemes, Work Experience and Sector-Based Work Activity, are mandatory.

The Guardian

Mr. Eischied said he was not responsible for various documents, including a long written presentation by a "champion" seller of KPMG tax shelters titled "generating capital losses".

The New York Times

As part of its investigation of Morgan Stanley, the E.E.O.C. has issued a few subpoenas seeking various documents from the firm.

The New York Times

Various documents and books illustrate Anglo-Spanish relations, and two treatises by Leonardo are given relevance because Prince Charles tried to buy them when he was in Madrid.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "various documents" with a prepositional phrase to specify the scope or purpose of the documents, e.g., "various documents related to the investigation".

Common error

Avoid using "various documents" as a vague placeholder. If possible, provide examples or categories of the documents to add clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "various documents" functions as a noun phrase, where "various" modifies the noun "documents". This phrase commonly serves as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating the subject is interacting with multiple documents. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "various documents" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to multiple documents, especially when their specific details are less important than their collective relevance. Ludwig AI analysis highlights its frequent use in news media and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While versatile, it's important to avoid vagueness by providing context or examples of the documents involved. Consider alternatives such as "several documents" or "assorted documents" for subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several documents

Indicates a quantity of documents, without specifying diversity.

multiple documents

Similar to "several documents", focusing on the quantity.

assorted documents

Highlights the variety of documents included.

a number of documents

Focuses on quantity, indicating that there are more than just a few.

miscellaneous documents

Emphasizes the diverse and unsorted nature of the documents.

a range of documents

Emphasizes the span or spectrum of document types.

respective documents

Focuses on documents that belong to individual parties or items, implying a one-to-one correspondence.

a collection of documents

Suggests a deliberate grouping or compilation of documents.

other documents

Refers to additional documents besides those already mentioned.

a selection of documents

Implies that specific documents have been chosen from a larger set.

FAQs

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

You can use "various documents" when referring to multiple documents of differing types or content. For example, "The historian consulted "various documents" to reconstruct the events of that era."

What are some alternatives to saying "various documents"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "several documents", "assorted documents", or "multiple documents" instead of "various documents".

Is it better to list the types of documents instead of saying "various documents"?

In many cases, listing specific types of documents (e.g., "reports, letters, and memos") provides more clarity than using the general term ""various documents"".

When is it appropriate to use "various documents" instead of being specific?

Use ""various documents"" when the specific details of the documents are not as important as the fact that multiple documents were involved or reviewed.