a mere copy

USAGE SUMMARY

"a mere copy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not original or genuine. For example, "The painting he sold was just a mere copy of a famous artist's work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Why give such a lavish setting to a mere copy? he wondered.

The Guardian

"Even under the grime the detail and the colour seemed fantastic, far too good for a mere copy.

The Guardian - Arts

Though a mere copy of the original in Magdeburg, the picture's "trees and pools and rocks" take Parry's breath away.

The Guardian - Books

Who decides whether another invention is a mere copy or a substantive enhancement that deserves protection, too?

The New Yorker

The poet as a man and poetry as a form of statement both seemed untrustworthy to Plato, who depicted the physical world as an imperfect copy of transcendent ideas and poetry as a mere copy of the copy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because of the ferocious reputation of Isis – created by the "Islamic Caliphate" but assiduously cultivated in the West – we forget that Wednesday's attack is a mere copy of the far more ruthless assault on foreign tourists launched by Egyptian Islamists during the Mubarak era.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He should not, then, be regarded as a mere carbon copy of his teacher.

SEP

Its practitioners are hacks, whose domain is Grub Street and who produce mere copy.

The Guardian - Books

Nielsen International, which monitors book sales, told me the English edition had sold a mere 1,723 copies in the UK and 1,876 copies in the English-speaking foreign markets it watches.

The Guardian - Opinion

It sold a mere 10,000 copies.

The New York Times

His latest, Pink Moon, has sold a mere five thousand copies.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere copy" when you want to emphasize that something lacks originality or is of lesser quality compared to the original. Ensure the context clearly indicates that the item being described is indeed a copy and not the genuine article.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere copy" when it's already clear from the context that the item is not original. Redundancy can weaken your writing and make it seem less sophisticated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere copy" serves as a descriptive noun phrase, typically functioning as a subject complement or object. It often diminishes the value or originality of something, indicating it's just a duplicate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mere copy" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that lacks originality or is of lower value than the original. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is uncommon, appearing mostly in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context to ensure you are accurately conveying the sense of something being just a duplicate and not the real thing. Alternatives such as "a simple duplicate" or "just a copy" can provide slightly different nuances, depending on your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a copy

Simplifies the phrase, retaining the core meaning but lessening the intensity.

only a copy

Similar to "just a copy", but can imply something is not as valuable as the original.

a simple duplicate

Focuses on the act of replication without adding the implication of inferiority.

a basic imitation

Highlights the act of mimicking, downplaying originality but without heavy criticism.

a near duplicate

Suggests a very similar version, but not perfectly identical.

a plain replica

Emphasizes the reproduction aspect, removing the judgmental connotation.

a close imitation

Indicates a similarity to the original, but could imply minor differences.

a carbon copy

Implies an exact duplicate, though it can also be used figuratively.

a straightforward imitation

Highlights simplicity and directness in mimicking the original.

a faithful reproduction

Underscores accuracy and detail in replication, though less common.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mere copy" to describe something that lacks originality or is inferior to the original. For example, "The presented artwork turned out to be "a mere copy" of a famous painting."

What are some alternatives to "a mere copy"?

Alternatives to "a mere copy" include "a simple duplicate", "a basic imitation", or "just a copy", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "a mere copy" is suitable for formal writing when you need to express that something is simply a duplicate and lacks originality or significant value. However, consider the context and whether a more neutral term like "a replica" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a mere copy" and "a faithful reproduction"?

"A mere copy" implies a lack of originality or quality, whereas "a faithful reproduction" suggests accuracy and detail in the replication. The latter emphasizes the skill involved in creating a true likeness.