Is a copy of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Is a copy of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is a duplicate or reproduction of another item or document. Example: "This document is a copy of the original contract signed last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Like others, all I have been given is a copy of the arrest warrant".

Huffington Post

Enclosed is a copy of a letter I received yesterday from a Marine Unit in Iraq.

Los Angeles Times

Enclosed is a copy of my ID.

University of California, Berkeley

"Here is a copy of the Basic Law.

The Guardian

How much is a copy of the model?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Primary is a copy of the famous Gutenberg Bible.

Princeton University

Below is a copy of its press release.

Harvard University

The tan suede sofa is a copy of one Coco Chanel had in her Paris atelier.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a copy of the original made for the Hassler in Naples.

The New York Times - Travel

In the kitchen is a copy of a Cezanne still life.

The New York Times

One of the 15 towers is a copy of the Giralda Tower in Seville.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a copy of", ensure you specify the original source to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "This painting is a copy of Van Gogh's 'Starry Night'."

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is a copy" without clarifying what it's a copy of. This can leave your audience wondering about the origin and relevance of the comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a copy of" functions as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that renames or describes it. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to identify something as a duplicate, reproduction, or imitation of an original. The examples in Ludwig highlight its versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

37%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a copy of" serves to denote duplication or imitation. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for various writing contexts. High frequency across news and academic domains underscores its widespread applicability, with source quality being robust. Related phrases, such as "is a duplicate of", offer nuanced alternatives. When employing "is a copy of", clarity is key, emphasizing the importance of specifying the original source. Common errors involve ambiguity, where the original is not specified. Overall, the phrase is a versatile and widely accepted means of indicating replication or modeling after an existing entity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a duplicate of

Replaces "copy" with "duplicate", emphasizing exact replication.

is a reproduction of

Replaces "copy" with "reproduction", specifying the act of recreating something.

is a replica of

Substitutes "copy" with "replica", suggesting a high-fidelity reproduction.

is an imitation of

Replaces "copy" with "imitation", highlighting the act of emulating something else.

is modeled after

Indicates that something has been designed or created following the pattern of something else.

is based on

Suggests that the subject draws inspiration or foundational elements from another source.

is derived from

Implies that the subject originates from or is sourced from another thing.

mirrors

A concise verb indicating a close resemblance or reflective quality.

emulates

Indicates that something imitates or tries to equal another in quality or achievement.

is akin to

Implies a similarity or relatedness but not necessarily a direct copy.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "is a copy of"?

You can use alternatives like "is a duplicate of", "is a replica of", or "is an imitation of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I properly use "is a copy of" in a sentence?

Ensure you clearly state both the copy and the original source. For example, "This version is a copy of the original document" provides clarity.

What's the difference between "is a copy of" and "is inspired by"?

"Is a copy of" implies a direct replication, whereas "is inspired by" suggests that something has influenced the creation without being a direct duplicate.

Is it redundant to say "is an exact copy of"?

While not strictly incorrect, "exact copy" is somewhat redundant because the term "copy" already implies a high degree of similarity. Consider using just "is a duplicate of" for emphasis.