The document was authored
Research methodology and reporting expression
Use this phrase to sound professional and authoritative when discussing official reports, papers, or legal documents.
En 15 secondes
- A professional way to say a document was written.
- Focuses on the document rather than just the writer.
- Best used in business, law, or academic research.
- Sounds authoritative and official in formal settings.
Signification
This phrase means that a specific person or group wrote a document. It is a more professional and precise way of saying 'someone wrote this.'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Presenting a report in a boardroom
The document was authored by our senior analysts over three months.
The document was authored by our senior analysts over three months.
Discussing a new company policy
Please note that the document was authored to comply with new regulations.
Please note that the document was authored to comply with new regulations.
Texting a colleague about a draft
The document was authored by Sarah, so ask her for the password.
The document was authored by Sarah, so ask her for the password.
Contexte culturel
This expression rose to prominence in the mid-20th century as corporate and academic environments became more specialized. It reflects the Western emphasis on intellectual property and 'authorship' as a mark of authority. In modern tech and law, it is the standard way to attribute responsibility for official content.
Use 'by' for clarity
Always follow the phrase with `by [Name]` if you want to give credit. It sounds much more impressive than saying 'He wrote it.'
Don't overdo it
If you use `authored` for every single email or Slack message, you'll sound like you're trying too hard. Save it for the big stuff!
En 15 secondes
- A professional way to say a document was written.
- Focuses on the document rather than just the writer.
- Best used in business, law, or academic research.
- Sounds authoritative and official in formal settings.
What It Means
The document was authored is a formal way to describe the creation of text. It uses the passive voice to focus on the document itself. In English, using authored instead of wrote sounds more official. It implies that the person who wrote it is an expert. It suggests the work is a finished, professional product. Think of it as the difference between a quick note and a serious report.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you want to sound authoritative. It is perfect for business reports or academic papers. You can add by to name the creator. For example, The document was authored by the legal team. It helps you sound like a pro in a meeting. Use it when the writing process was long and careful. It makes the work sound more important than just a simple email.
When To Use It
Use this in a professional office setting. It works great during a project presentation. Use it when discussing official policies or research findings. If you are citing a source in a university essay, this is your best friend. It also fits well in a formal email to a client. It tells them the work was done with high standards. It is the 'suit and tie' version of writing.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a Saturday BBQ. If you tell a friend, 'The grocery list was authored by me,' they will laugh. It is too stiff for texting or casual chats. Avoid it for quick, messy drafts or sticky notes. If you use it for a birthday card, you will sound like a robot. Keep it away from emotional or highly personal letters. It is strictly for business and formal logic.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking corporate culture, we love using nouns as verbs. Author is usually a noun, but making it a verb adds prestige. It comes from a desire to sound objective and detached. This is very common in 'Bureaucratese' or official government speak. It reflects a culture that values documentation and clear accountability. It shows that words have power and legal weight.
Common Variations
The report was co-authored by...(When two people wrote it together).The paper was authored in 2023.(Focusing on the date).Who authored this document?(A formal way to ask for the writer).The study was authored by a team of experts.(Adding credibility).
Notes d'usage
This is a high-level C1 expression. It is strictly formal and should be reserved for professional, academic, or legal contexts to avoid sounding pretentious in casual conversation.
Use 'by' for clarity
Always follow the phrase with `by [Name]` if you want to give credit. It sounds much more impressive than saying 'He wrote it.'
Don't overdo it
If you use `authored` for every single email or Slack message, you'll sound like you're trying too hard. Save it for the big stuff!
The 'Passive' Power
In English business culture, using the passive voice (`was authored`) can sometimes be a way to hide who specifically is responsible if something goes wrong. It sounds more 'official' and less 'personal'.
Exemples
6The document was authored by our senior analysts over three months.
The document was authored by our senior analysts over three months.
This emphasizes the expertise and time spent on the work.
Please note that the document was authored to comply with new regulations.
Please note that the document was authored to comply with new regulations.
Shows the document has a specific legal purpose.
The document was authored by Sarah, so ask her for the password.
The document was authored by Sarah, so ask her for the password.
Slightly formal for a text, but clear and direct.
It looks like this document was authored by a caffeinated squirrel.
It looks like this document was authored by a caffeinated squirrel.
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation creates irony.
The document was authored by Dr. Smith in 1998.
The document was authored by Dr. Smith in 1998.
Standard way to attribute research in a university setting.
This document was authored by my grandfather just before he passed away.
This document was authored by my grandfather just before he passed away.
Gives the writing a sense of legacy and importance.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the professional sentence.
The final safety ___ was authored by the engineering department.
`Document` is the most common noun paired with `authored` in professional contexts.
Complete the sentence to show the document was written by two people.
The research paper was ___ by both professors.
We use the past participle `authored` in the passive voice construction `was authored`.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Level of 'Writing' Expressions
I wrote it.
Texting a friend.
I put this together.
Internal team email.
The document was authored.
Official report to the CEO.
Where to use 'The document was authored'
Law Office
The contract was authored by the firm.
University
The thesis was authored by the student.
Corporate HQ
The strategy was authored by the board.
Government
The bill was authored by the senator.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it carries more weight. It implies a deliberate, professional process rather than a casual act of writing.
Absolutely. You could say, The novel was authored by a famous recluse. It sounds very literary.
Only if the email is very formal or you are referring to an attached report. For the email body itself, it's too much.
The passive was authored puts the focus on the document. Using He authored puts the focus on the person.
It is used globally in professional English, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Technically yes, but it sounds strange. Emails are usually 'sent' or 'written,' not 'authored' unless they are very long and official.
A casual opposite would be I jotted this down or I scribbled this.
No, it can be a digital PDF, a website's privacy policy, or even a piece of software code in some contexts.
Yes, although some traditionalists prefer 'written,' 'authored' is widely accepted in modern professional English.
Usually, poems are 'penned' or 'written.' Using 'authored' for poetry sounds a bit too cold and clinical.
Expressions liées
Drafted by
The initial version was written by someone.
Penned by
A more poetic or old-fashioned way to say written by.
Compiled by
Information gathered and put into a document by someone.
Commissioned by
Someone paid or requested for the document to be written.
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