what this document

USAGE SUMMARY

"what this document" is not an independent part of a sentence.
It is not correct and usable in written English because it does not have a subject and verb. However, you could use "what this document" in a sentence as a noun phrase, for example: I need more information to understand what this document is about.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"What this document says is we're not going to look at ratios.

The Guardian

That's like a baby step towards actually understanding what this document is about.

MIT Technology Review

"We have no idea what this document is, and neither does she because she was unable to read it".

The Guardian

What this document reveals, more than anything else, is the direct connection between the debate over secession's legitimacy and the course of reconstruction.

The New York Times

But there is another question: what are the implications for NATO's exit strategy from Afghanistan if Pakistan's military means what this document says — or at least some of what it says?

The New Yorker

"If you were expecting a transformation of trade policy, whether or not that is their plan for Nafta renegotiations, that's not what this document lays out," Ms. Wallach said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"What this beautiful document allows us to see is how a formal meal was arranged according to clearly defined norms," writes Cobbi.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What about this document?

The New York Times - Magazine

THE PRESIDENT: What is this document?

Yale University

"What makes this document doubly stunning is that these were techniques to get false confessions," Mr. Levin said.

The New York Times

What makes this document even more poignant, almost unbearably so, is that Fitzgerald seems to have undervalued the literary achievement that would one day resurrect his reputation, even as it would always remain intertwined with the tragic myth of his life.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what this document" in writing, ensure it functions as part of a complete sentence. For example, "I need to understand what this document says."

Common error

Avoid using "what this document" as a standalone sentence. Always incorporate it into a larger grammatical structure to convey a complete thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what this document" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it requires integration into a complete sentence structure for grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what this document" functions as a noun phrase but requires integration into a complete sentence to be grammatically correct. As Ludwig AI highlights, it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, academia, and scientific discourse, reflecting a neutral register. While commonly employed to inquire about or explain a document's contents, meaning, or purpose, remember to use it as part of a larger grammatical structure to ensure clarity and correctness. Consider alternatives like "the content of this document" or "what the document says" for enhanced precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the content of this document

Focuses on the informational content rather than a direct inquiry about the document.

what the document says

Emphasizes the information conveyed or stated within the document.

the purpose of this document

Shifts the focus to the intended aim or function of the document.

what is stated in this document

Highlights the declarative aspect of the document's contents.

the message of this document

Highlights document's central theme or communication.

the meaning of this document

Emphasizes understanding or interpretation of the document.

what this paper describes

Replaces "document" with "paper", suggesting a more formal or academic context.

this document's key points

Highlights the essential elements or takeaways from the document.

the main idea of this document

Focuses on the core concept or argument presented.

what's included in this document

Emphasizes the elements or components that are contained within the document.

FAQs

How can I use "what this document" in a sentence?

The phrase "what this document" needs to be part of a complete sentence. For example, "I'm trying to understand what this document means" or "Can you explain what this document is about?"

What can I say instead of "what this document"?

Consider alternatives like "the content of this document", "what the document says", or "the purpose of this document depending on the context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "what this document"?

Starting a sentence directly with "what this document" is grammatically incorrect as it creates a sentence fragment. It needs a verb and a subject to form a complete thought, such as "What this document reveals is..."

What's the difference between "what this document says" and "what this document means"?

"What this document says" refers to the explicit statements or information presented in the document. "What this document means" refers to the interpretation or significance of that information.