a copy of which

USAGE SUMMARY

"a copy of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer back to a particular item that has been mentioned previously. For example: "The book was written by Andrew Rees, a copy of which can be found in the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He took the idea directly from Fildes's picture, a copy of which he owned.

The Guardian

Spiegel was given a contract to sign, a copy of which she kept in her files.

The New Yorker

But he confirmed that he had written the letter, a copy of which was reviewed by The New York Times.

The New York Times

It contained a letter from Westport National Bank, a copy of which was provided to The New York Times.

The New York Times

We strode blithely past my book, a copy of which perched on Barnes & Noble's choicest real estate.

The New York Times

They're used to that kind of treatment anyway!" read the message, a copy of which was provided to The Times.

The New York Times

The draft report, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times, was prepared by the commission's staff.

The New York Times

Therefore: "En Attendant Godard," a copy of which I found in the bookstore at Beaubourg in the summer of 1983.

The New Yorker

The findings are included in a draft report, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times.

The New York Times

The 105-page report, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times, was completed months ago.

The New York Times

Most items incorporate illustrations from Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen's book "Des Chats," a copy of which is in the museum's collection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a copy of which", ensure the sentence maintains clarity by placing the phrase close to the noun it modifies.

Common error

Avoid separating "a copy of which" too far from the noun it modifies; doing so can lead to ambiguity and make the sentence difficult to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a copy of which" functions as a relative clause modifier, specifically indicating that a copy of something previously mentioned exists or was obtained. As confirmed by Ludwig, the structure is grammatically sound and suitable for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a copy of which" is a grammatically sound phrase commonly used to indicate the existence or availability of a copy related to a previously mentioned item. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct for written English. While versatile, it's most frequently encountered in news and media, showcasing its utility in providing context and verification. To maintain clarity, ensure the phrase remains close to the noun it modifies. Although the phrase isn't incorrect, in informal situations, use more simple phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of which a duplicate exists

Emphasizes the existence of a duplicate rather than direct possession.

a duplicate of which exists

A more straightforward way of stating that a duplicate is present.

where a version is available

Focuses on the availability of a version, implying accessibility.

an instance of which is present

Uses 'instance' to denote a specific occurrence or copy.

from which a replica was made

Highlights the act of replication or creation of a copy.

one version of which is accessible

Emphasizes accessibility, suitable for contexts where access is important.

whose imitation is available

Stresses that there is something being passed on to multiple places that is not quite an exact match

a reproduction of the same

Shifts focus to the fact that something has happened and not necessarily possession

in which a transcript is found

Indicates the availability of a written record.

where an exemplar resides

Implies there's a specific or perfect model to emulate

FAQs

How can I use "a copy of which" in a sentence?

Use "a copy of which" to refer back to a previously mentioned document or item when you want to indicate that a copy exists or was obtained. For example: "The report detailed the findings, "a copy of which" was sent to all members".

What are some alternatives to "a copy of which"?

Alternatives include phrases like "of which a duplicate exists", "where a version is available", or "from which a replica was made", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the copy of which" instead of "a copy of which"?

While "the copy of which" isn't inherently incorrect, ""a copy of which"" is generally preferred when you're not referring to a specific, previously defined copy. "The copy" implies a particular copy already known to both the writer and reader.

Can "a copy of which" be used in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, ""a copy of which"" leans towards formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "of which I have a copy" or "and I have a copy of it".