What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
documentation
Example
Make sure to keep proper documentation of all transactions. [documentation: noun]
Example
The company requires thorough documentation of all procedures. [documentation: adjective]
archiving
Example
We need to start archiving these old files before they get lost. [archiving: verb]
Example
The museum has an extensive archive of historical documents. [archive: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Documentation is more commonly used than archiving in everyday language. Documentation is a broad term that covers a wide range of contexts, while archiving is more specific and typically used in professional or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between documentation and archiving?
Both documentation and archiving can be used in formal and informal contexts, but archiving is more commonly associated with professional or academic settings due to its specialized nature.