a nice copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nice copy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a version of a document, book, or any written material that is well-made, clear, or aesthetically pleasing. Example: "I received a nice copy of the rare book I had been searching for, and it looks fantastic on my shelf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"There are not enough requests for Iris Murdoch, Naomii said as she sent a nice copy of "A Severed Head" to the basement.

The New Yorker

In the literature section there's a nice copy of Flann O'Brien's At Swim-Two-Birds, with a cover detailing part of a painting by Jack B Yeats.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you don't want to pay for a publishing service, you can still create a nice copy of your book by taking it to a copy store and having it printed and bound.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Note that the actual Blu-ray, which would presumably grant you the rights to a UV copy eventually, or just legitimize a nice pirated copy for portability, can be had for $10.

TechCrunch

By 7 A.M. there's a nice fresh copy on the landing outside the door to our apartment.

The New Yorker

By Fred Birmingham and Russell Maloney The New Yorker, July 2 , 1938P. 7 Incidental Intelligence: Since Magazine Time took over the Literary Digest, the Time circulation department, faithful to the old Digest mailing list, has sent out every week a nice, fresh copy of Time addressed to Time.

The New Yorker

The 1946 novel about a demagogue modeled on Huey Long was a nice enough copy, with a dust jacket that showed a respectable amount of age.

Forbes

I am a longstanding proponent of the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector, but the Catrice Beautifying Lip Smoothers are a nice cheap copy and for a true alienesque greasy glow an iridescent gloss like the Revlon Lip Gloss in Crystal Water or Essence XXXL Shine in Rising Star work perfectly.

Huffington Post

"Perfectly nice copies of the magazine, except for the hole on each page where a rat had tunnelled through".

The New Yorker

Over here is a portrait of a grumpy-looking Winston Churchill, and over there, a very nice pastel copy of Henri Matisse's "Woman With a Hat".

The New York Times

There is a nice scene in Certified Copy in which Binoche laments her (fictional) marriage in conversation with the manageress of a local cafe.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a physical item such as a book, use "a nice copy" to indicate that it is in good condition and visually appealing. For digital items, consider alternatives like "high-quality version" if the appearance isn't relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "a nice copy" in highly formal or technical contexts. Opt for more precise language that describes the specific qualities you're referencing, such as "accurate transcription" or "high-resolution image".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nice copy" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "copy". It describes the quality or condition of a particular copy of something, often implying that it's well-preserved or aesthetically pleasing, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a nice copy" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a duplicate item that is in good condition. According to Ludwig, it's generally suitable for a variety of contexts, although more formal language might be preferred in certain professional or academic settings. When writing, consider the specific qualities you wish to emphasize and choose alternative phrases like "a quality copy" or "an excellent copy" to refine your meaning. While versatile, overuse in overly formal contexts should be avoided for precise terminology.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quality copy

Focuses more directly on the quality of the copy.

an excellent copy

Emphasizes a higher degree of quality than "nice".

a good copy

A more general term for a satisfactory copy.

a fine copy

Suggests a refined or superior quality copy.

a presentable copy

Implies the copy is suitable for showing or giving to someone.

a well-made copy

Highlights the craftsmanship or production quality of the copy.

a clean copy

Focuses on the absence of errors or blemishes in the copy.

a decent copy

Suggests an acceptable, though not necessarily outstanding, copy.

a respectable copy

Indicates the copy is of sufficient quality to be considered adequate.

a satisfactory copy

Highlights that the copy meets the required standards or expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a nice copy" to describe a book, document, or other item that is in good condition. For example: "I found "a nice copy" of the first edition at the used bookstore."

What is a good substitute for "a nice copy"?

Alternatives include "a quality copy", "an excellent copy", or "a good copy", depending on the desired level of emphasis on quality.

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

While "a nice copy" is generally acceptable, consider using more precise and formal language like "a high-quality version" or "a pristine edition" in formal contexts.

What does it mean when someone describes a book as "a nice copy"?

It typically means the book is in good condition, with minimal wear and tear, and is visually appealing or well-preserved. It suggests the book is not damaged or heavily used.