a carbon copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a carbon copy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an exact duplicate or a very similar version of something, often in the context of documents or messages. Example: "She sent a carbon copy of the email to her assistant to keep them in the loop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Health

Technology

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Almost a carbon copy".

The New York Times - Sports

But Cc is not a carbon copy of Rainbow.

The New York Times - Health

Reyes's fifth throw looked like a carbon copy.

The New York Times - Sports

Eventually Douglas became a carbon copy of his father.

The New York Times - Books

"It was like a carbon copy of Wimbledon," Sampras said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a carbon copy of his performance against Edmund.

The Guardian - Sport

Immediate reaction: A carbon copy of last year's nominees.

The Washington Post

"It's actually a carbon copy of our race in the world champs this year," McGrath said.

The Guardian - Sport

And a carbon copy of the one in Lyon's last over.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

There was no chance of a carbon-copy interpretation.

The New York Times

The White House won't seek a carbon-copy of its Colombian strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While "a carbon copy" implies a strong resemblance, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of originality.

Common error

While "a carbon copy" is widely understood, overuse in formal or academic writing can sound cliché. In these contexts, opt for more precise language like "exact duplicate" or "precise replication" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a carbon copy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or an appositive. It describes something that closely resembles or is an exact duplicate of something else. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Sports

15%

Books

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a carbon copy" is a common expression used to describe something that is an almost exact duplicate of something else. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Sports contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone and register of your writing. In more formal settings, alternatives such as "exact duplicate" or "precise replication" may be more appropriate. Remember that the phrase can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying a lack of originality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exact duplicate

Indicates a precise replication with no differences.

a perfect replica

Emphasizes the flawless and precise nature of the copy.

a spitting image

Refers to someone who looks exactly like another person, especially a parent.

a dead ringer

Suggests an almost identical resemblance, often in appearance.

a mirror image

Indicates that something is exactly reversed but otherwise identical.

a close parallel

Highlights strong similarities and resemblance.

a clone

Suggests something created as an exact genetic or functional duplicate.

a facsimile

Implies a reproduction or imitation, often in the context of documents.

a reproduction

Indicates the act of creating a copy of something.

a counterpart

Refers to something that has the same function or characteristics as something else in a different place or situation.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "a carbon copy"?

When something is described as "a carbon copy", it means that it is almost an exact duplicate or very similar to something else. It suggests a high degree of resemblance, often implying a lack of originality or innovation.

What are some alternatives to using "a carbon copy" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an exact duplicate", "a perfect replica", or "a spitting image". These phrases convey a similar meaning but may be more appropriate for certain tones or contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "a carbon copy" in formal writing?

While "a carbon copy" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound informal or cliché in academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "exact duplicate" or "precise replication" in formal writing.

How can the phrase "a carbon copy" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a carbon copy" to describe something that closely resembles something else, such as "The new policy is "a carbon copy" of the previous one, with only minor changes" or "His performance was "a carbon copy" of his idol's style".