working document

USAGE SUMMARY

"working document" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a document, typically a file or report, that is a work in progress, and may be revised or updated over time. For example, "This is a working document that contains the most up-to-date information on our sales figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The biological processes and test methods were organized into a matrix that served as a working document used in subsequent steps [this working document (BCCP 2010) is available online: http://coeh.berkeley.edu/greenchemistry/cbcrpdocs/matrix.pdf].

Environmental Health Perspectives

It was a working document.

The Guardian

"It is an actual working document, not a draft at all".

The New York Times

The working document for these negotiations, called "the Milosevic map" after its author, awards most of Bosnia to the Serbs.

The New Yorker

A CV can't really be perfect or definitive; it's a working document, an organic and flexible tool that evolves.

The Guardian

Yet Khurshid Kasuri, Pakistan's foreign minister under the general and a party to the working document, says that the process could quickly be revived.Still, deep problems remain unresolved.

The Economist

The working document which has been agreed upon does modify, add on to, and therefore make cross-references to, the existing Treaties.

The Economist

The German tax envisions fees that would be paid by all banks and diverted directly into a fund, according to a working document by the ministry of finance.

The New York Times

No such report on public sentiment was ever distributed as a working document of the department's National Operations Center, which runs the monitoring program, he said.

The New York Times

I submitted a working document to several key stakeholders within football to look at accreditation along with a proposal to educate widely within the industry regarding intermediary activity.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Biagi, who had also worked for several center-left governments, was the author of the ministry's working document on the Italian labor market and possible reforms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "working document" to indicate that feedback and revisions are expected.

Common error

Don't treat a "working document" as if it contains definitive information. Always verify details before making decisions based on its content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working document" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a document that is currently in development or use, but not yet in its final form. Ludwig AI shows that it is used across many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

3%

EU Parlament

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working document" is a common noun phrase used to describe a document that is in progress and subject to change. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse sources like news outlets, scientific publications, and formal business communications, as well as neutral status in professional environments. When using this term, ensure that the audience understands the document's preliminary nature and potential for revision. Be careful not to treat it as definitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draft document

Emphasizes the preliminary and incomplete nature of the document.

document in progress

Highlights the ongoing development and modification of the document.

evolving document

Stresses the changing and adapting nature of the document.

preliminary report

Focuses on the initial and subject-to-change aspect of a report.

development version

Refers to a version of a document that is still under development.

living document

Suggests the document is continuously updated and revised.

internal document

Implies the document is for use within an organization and subject to change.

unfinalized version

Highlights that the document is not yet in its final form.

in-process file

Emphasizes that the file is currently being worked on.

iterative document

Highlights the repetitive process of refining the document.

FAQs

How can I use "working document" in a sentence?

You can use "working document" to describe a file that is still under development. For example, "This is a "working document", so please don't share it externally yet."

What are some alternatives to "working document"?

Alternatives include "draft document", "document in progress", or "preliminary report", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between a "working document" and a final document?

A "working document" is not yet complete and is subject to change, whereas a final document is the finished, approved version. A "working document" is often used for internal collaboration and feedback before being finalized.

Is it appropriate to cite a "working document" in a formal report?

Generally, it is not appropriate to cite a "working document" in a formal report unless there is no other available source. If you must cite it, clearly indicate its status as a "working document" and explain why you are using it.