a hard copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hard copy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a physical printed version of a document, as opposed to a digital version. Example: "Please submit a hard copy of your report by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A hard copy of your resume!

Columbia University

He submitted a hard copy instead.

The New York Times

Jakucki emailed us a hard copy.

The Guardian

— ask if she's sure when she requests a hard copy.

The New York Times

Drop a hard copy of your CV if it's allowed.

Stanford University

Please do not submit a hard copy to our office.

Harvard University

To receive a hard copy, email Kelly Tillotson ([email protected]).edu

Cornell University

Just to have a hard copy?" I asked.

The New York Times - Magazine

I've got a hard copy on my desk now.

The Guardian

The results indicate that reading from a hard copy was the most comfortable experience.

Displays

They can then print a hard copy of the photobook for about $30.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting a document, clarify whether you need "a hard copy" or a digital version to avoid misunderstandings. Especially in professional settings, specifying your preference saves time and resources.

Common error

Don't assume that keeping only "a hard copy" is sufficient for archival purposes. Always check if a digital backup is also required to ensure long-term preservation and accessibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hard copy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a direct object or subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Academia

23%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hard copy" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to a physical, printed version of a document. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While often interchangeable with alternatives like "printed version" or "paper copy", it's important to consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate term. When using the phrase, remember to specify whether "a hard copy" or a digital version is required to avoid confusion and ensure that archival requirements are met.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paper copy

Simple and common alternative, specifying the material as paper.

printed version

Replaces "copy" with "version", stressing that it is a physical representation.

printed document

Focuses on the physical aspect of the document, replacing "copy" with a more formal term.

physical document

Emphasizes the tangibility and the document aspect.

physical printout

Emphasizes the act of printing and the tangible nature of the result.

paper version

Simple and direct alternative, highlighting the material the copy is made of.

tangible copy

Highlights the tangible aspect of the copy.

hard format

Shortens the phrase, referring to the format of the copy.

hard form

Refers to the physical form of the copy, concise and somewhat technical.

printed material

Broader term, referring to printed matter in general.

FAQs

How do I use "a hard copy" in a sentence?

You can use "a hard copy" to specify that you need a physical, printed version of a document, for example: "Please submit "a hard copy" of your resume at the interview".

What is the difference between "a hard copy" and a digital copy?

"A hard copy" refers to a physical, printed version of a document, while a digital copy is an electronic version stored on a computer or other device. "A hard copy" is tangible, whereas a digital copy is not.

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

Alternatives to "a hard copy" include "printed version", "paper copy", or "physical document". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to provide "a hard copy" in addition to a digital version?

No, it's not always necessary. Whether you need to provide "a hard copy" depends on the specific requirements of the recipient. Always check the instructions or ask for clarification if needed.