C1 Expression Formal 3 min de lectura

The archive contained

Research methodology and reporting expression

Use this phrase to formally introduce evidence or items found within a specific historical or data collection.

En 15 segundos

  • A formal way to report findings from a specific collection.
  • Used primarily in academic, legal, or historical writing.
  • Establishes credibility by citing a specific source of evidence.

Significado

This phrase is used to introduce a list or description of items found within a collection of historical records or documents. It acts as a formal bridge between the source of information and the specific data discovered.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Writing a history essay

The archive contained several unpublished maps from the 18th century.

The archive contained several unpublished maps from the 18th century.

💼
2

Presenting research findings

Surprisingly, the archive contained no mention of the treaty.

Surprisingly, the archive contained no mention of the treaty.

💼
3

A detective discussing a case

The digital archive contained encrypted messages between the suspects.

The digital archive contained encrypted messages between the suspects.

👔
🌍

Contexto cultural

The concept of 'The Archive' is central to Western historiography, representing a sacred space of preserved truth. This phrase became a staple of scholarly reporting during the 19th-century professionalization of history. Today, it reflects the 'archival turn' in social sciences, where the process of finding information is as important as the information itself.

💡

Be Specific

Always specify *which* archive you are talking about before using the phrase to sound more professional.

⚠️

Avoid Overuse

In a long report, vary your verbs. Use `revealed`, `held`, or `housed` to keep the reader engaged.

En 15 segundos

  • A formal way to report findings from a specific collection.
  • Used primarily in academic, legal, or historical writing.
  • Establishes credibility by citing a specific source of evidence.

What It Means

The archive contained is a foundational phrase for researchers and historians. It tells your reader exactly where your information came from. Think of it as opening a dusty treasure chest. You are reporting the contents of a specific collection. It implies that what follows is factual and documented. It is the professional way to say 'I found these things in that box.'

How To Use It

Use this phrase at the start of a sentence. Follow it with a list of items or a specific discovery. You can use it to describe physical objects or digital files. It works best when you name the specific archive first. For example, The national archive contained several lost letters. It creates a clear trail for others to follow. It makes your writing feel grounded and authoritative. Don't forget to use the past tense contained for completed research.

When To Use It

You will use this most in academic papers. It is perfect for history essays or scientific reports. Use it when presenting evidence to a committee. It also works well in journalism when discussing leaked documents. Use it when you want to sound like a serious investigator. It is the 'detective's voice' of the academic world. It adds a layer of mystery and discovery to your work.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this phrase in casual conversation with friends. Saying The archive contained my grocery list sounds very strange. Do not use it if the collection is not an actual archive. If you are looking through your backpack, just say I found. It is too heavy for light, everyday topics. Also, avoid it if you are still currently adding items to the collection. In that case, use the present tense contains instead.

Cultural Background

Western academic tradition places a high value on 'the archive.' It represents the ultimate source of truth and history. For centuries, archives were restricted to elite scholars. Using this phrase connects you to that long tradition of scholarship. It suggests you have done the 'hard work' of physical research. In the digital age, it now includes server logs and databases. It remains a symbol of transparency and factual evidence.

Common Variations

  • The collection included (slightly more general)
  • The records revealed (more dramatic and exciting)
  • The files held (often used for legal or police contexts)
  • The repository consisted of (very formal and technical)
  • The database stored (modern, tech-focused version)

Notas de uso

This phrase is firmly in the formal and professional register. It is most effective in written reports or formal presentations where citing evidence is crucial.

💡

Be Specific

Always specify *which* archive you are talking about before using the phrase to sound more professional.

⚠️

Avoid Overuse

In a long report, vary your verbs. Use `revealed`, `held`, or `housed` to keep the reader engaged.

💬

The 'Dusty' Stereotype

While we often imagine archives as dusty rooms, in modern English, this phrase is just as likely to refer to a clean digital database.

Ejemplos

6
#1 Writing a history essay
💼

The archive contained several unpublished maps from the 18th century.

The archive contained several unpublished maps from the 18th century.

Standard academic usage to introduce primary source evidence.

#2 Presenting research findings
💼

Surprisingly, the archive contained no mention of the treaty.

Surprisingly, the archive contained no mention of the treaty.

Used to highlight a significant absence of information.

#3 A detective discussing a case
👔

The digital archive contained encrypted messages between the suspects.

The digital archive contained encrypted messages between the suspects.

Modern application to digital forensics and investigations.

#4 Texting a fellow researcher
🤝

You won't believe it, but the archive contained the original sketches!

You won't believe it, but the archive contained the original sketches!

Slightly more excited tone while maintaining formal vocabulary.

#5 A humorous take on a messy room
😄

The archive contained three-year-old receipts and a single sock.

The archive contained three-year-old receipts and a single sock.

Using formal language for a mundane situation creates irony.

#6 Discussing family history
💭

The family archive contained letters that changed how we saw Grandpa.

The family archive contained letters that changed how we saw Grandpa.

Used for personal history and emotional discoveries.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the most appropriate word to complete the formal research statement.

Upon closer inspection, the municipal ___ contained records of the original land grants.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: archive

`Archive` is the correct formal term for a collection of historical records.

Select the correct verb tense for reporting finished research.

The university archive ___ a wealth of information on the local textile industry.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: contained

The past tense `contained` is standard when reporting what was found during a completed research period.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality Level of 'The archive contained'

Casual

I found some stuff in the box.

I found old photos.

Neutral

The collection has some documents.

The collection has letters.

Formal

The archive contained specific records.

The archive contained the records.

Where to use 'The archive contained'

The archive contained
🎓

Academic Thesis

Reporting primary sources.

🏛️

Museum Curation

Describing a new acquisition.

⚖️

Legal Discovery

Listing evidence found in files.

📰

Investigative Journalism

Revealing leaked data.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, but it sounds very formal. Use it if you want to sound organized, like My digital archive contained all my tax returns.

Contained suggests everything that was inside, while included suggests you are only listing a few parts of a larger whole.

Not at all! It is very common now to use it for digital repositories, like The email archive contained the evidence.

It depends on the topic. If you are writing about history or a deep-dive investigation, it adds great credibility.

Yes, use contains if the archive still exists and you are describing its permanent state.

An archive usually contains unique, original documents, while a library contains published books. Use The archive contained for the one-of-a-kind stuff.

Add an adverb! Try The archive unexpectedly contained... to grab your reader's attention.

No, it is a transitive phrase. You must follow it with an object, like The archive contained maps.

Only if you are a librarian or researcher. Otherwise, it might sound a bit too 'academic' for a standard business chat.

Using it to describe a small, random pile of papers. An archive implies an organized, intentional collection.

Frases relacionadas

The records indicate

Used when the documents suggest a specific fact or conclusion.

Primary source material

Original documents or objects created during the time under study.

Archival research

The act of looking through historical records.

In the public domain

Documents that are no longer under copyright and can be accessed by anyone.

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