a lonely copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lonely copy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a single copy of something that is isolated or alone, often evoking a sense of solitude or abandonment. Example: "In the corner of the library, I found a lonely copy of a rare book that no one seemed to want."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

By 5pm every other paper had been picked up (barring, that is, a lonely copy of the FT's Companies and Markets pages).

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I started to give up when my gaze fell onto a single, lonely copy of Julian Barnes's The Sense of an Ending.

Huffington Post

When I was in high school, in 1972, I bought the very first issue of a magazine called Ms. It changed my life; I stopped feeling like a lonely freak with my dog-eared copy of "Our Bodies, Ourselves," a book that called for celebration rather than shame at having a woman's body.

The New Yorker

Owner of a lonely heart?

Harvard University

A lonely railroad track.

The New York Times - Books

His remains a lonely voice.

The New York Times

"It's a lonely job.

The Economist

Responsibility is a lonely thing.

The New York Times - Arts

A lonely old woman.

The Guardian - Books

A lonely pet bird?

The Guardian - Books

A lonely old piano.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lonely copy" to evoke a sense of isolation or rarity when describing a physical item. This can add emotional depth to your writing, especially when discussing books, documents, or other forms of media.

Common error

Avoid using "a lonely copy" when simply stating that there is only one copy available. Overusing the emotional connotation can weaken your writing. Use it only when you want to specifically emphasize the sense of solitude or neglect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lonely copy" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "lonely" attributes a quality of solitude or isolation to the noun "copy". Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lonely copy" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, though relatively rare in occurrence. As Ludwig AI has indicated, it is best used when you want to emphasize not just the singularity of a copy, but also its sense of isolation or potential neglect. While semantically similar phrases such as "an isolated copy" or "a solitary copy" exist, the choice of "a lonely copy" specifically evokes an emotional response, making it suitable for descriptive and literary contexts. Its usage spans across News & Media, Academia and Wiki categories, and the phrase is generally considered to have neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an isolated copy

Emphasizes the separation of the copy from others.

a solitary copy

Highlights the single, unaccompanied nature of the copy.

a lone copy

Similar to solitary, emphasizing the lack of companionship.

a unique copy

Focuses on the distinctiveness and possible rarity of the copy.

a rare copy

Indicates that the copy is not commonly found.

an abandoned copy

Suggests the copy has been left behind or disregarded.

a neglected copy

Implies the copy has not received proper attention or care.

a forsaken copy

A more dramatic way of saying abandoned.

an only copy

Highlights that it is the sole existing version.

a single remaining copy

Emphasizes that it is one copy left from a larger set.

FAQs

How can I use "a lonely copy" in a sentence?

You can use "a lonely copy" to describe a book or document that appears to be isolated or neglected, such as, "I found "a lonely copy" of the first edition in the dusty corner of the library."

What are some alternatives to "a lonely copy"?

Alternatives include "an isolated copy", "a solitary copy", or "a lone copy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a lonely copy"?

Use "a lonely copy" when you want to emphasize not just the singularity of an item, but also its isolation or potential neglect. This can be particularly effective in descriptive writing to create a specific mood.

Is "a lonely copy" a formal or informal expression?

"A lonely copy" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both informal and formal contexts, although it is more frequently found in descriptive or literary writing than in technical documents.