

Synonyms for ‘document’ can vary based on whether you are using it as a verb or as a noun. While ‘document’ is a perfectly fine word to use, sometimes you may want to spice up your language and for this, you need synonyms. Interestingly, the latter word only started to get used frequently in the 1950s, while ‘document’ has been used frequently since the 1500s. This may be down to the fact that ‘document’ can be used as a verb or a noun, while ‘documentation’ can only be used as a noun.Īccording to Google Ngram Viewer, the word ‘document’ is used almost double the amount that ‘documentation’ is used. The word ‘document’ is used far more frequently than ‘documentation’. Is ‘Document’ Or ‘Documentation’ Used The Most? If it is shortened, then the sentence would take on a whole new meaning. Because ‘documentation’ is rarely used to refer to the singular, and never to a verb, the term cannot be shortened down to ‘document’. Whenever you see the word ‘document’ appear, you can be sure that it is either going to be used as a verb or as a singular noun. As the word ‘documentation’ is used as a plural for ‘document’, if you shortened it down, the meaning of the word would completely change. While they can be used interchangeably in some contexts, this is not always the case. ‘Document’ is not short for ‘documentation’.

Any documentation can come under the header ‘documentation’. However, nowadays, you will often find ‘documentation’ used to refer to multiple documents. Generally speaking, ‘documentation’ can be used to refer to any document, singular or plural. identity, finances, etc.Īccording to The Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of ‘documentation is “official papers or written material that provides proof of something”. Documentation is often used as a way to provide evidence of something e.g. This means that when the term ‘documentation’ is used, it can refer to one or multiple documents.

A newspaper from the 1500s is a historical document.A scientist must document the results of their studies.It is important for a police officer to document all evidence.If you are applying for a loan, your last salary specification is an important document.Here are some examples so you can see how ‘document’ can be used in a sentence, whether it is a noun or a verb: if you see ‘document’ being used as an action, then it means you are looking at a verb. If you see a name for the document included e.g. You should be able to work out when ‘document’ is being used as a noun and when it is being used as a verb by looking at the context the word is used in. When used as a verb, the definition from the same dictionary is “to record the details of an event or process”. When it is used as a verb, it is stating that pieces of information are being recorded.Īccording to The Cambridge Dictionary, when used as a noun the definition of ‘document’ is “a paper or set of papers with written or printed information, especially of an official type”. When it is used as a noun, it is used to refer to a singular piece of paper or another piece of evidence. ‘Document’ can mean multiple things, depending on the context. Watch the video: Only 1 percent of our visitors get these 3 grammar questions right. When ‘document’ is being used as a verb, it indicates that information is being recorded. While ‘documentation’ can be used to refer to the singular and plural, ‘document’ can only ever be used to refer to the singular.īeyond this, the major difference between the two is that ‘document’ can be used as a verb, while ‘documentation’ cannot. However, this will not work the other way around. In the word ‘document’ is being used as a noun then, in most cases, the word ‘documentation’ can be substituted in. ‘Document’ can also appear as a verb, while ‘documentation’ cannot. However, ‘documentation’ can be used as a singular or plural. This may include passports, a financial report, etc. The word ‘document’ refers to a single piece of official written or printed material.

What Is The Difference Between ‘Document’ And ‘Documentation’? On this page, we want to explain how these two words work. This is because they can be used interchangeably, but only in specific circumstances. For many, the words ‘document’ and ‘documentation’ can cause a great deal of confusion.
