a set of copies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a set of copies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple identical items or reproductions of a document or object. Example: "The office needs a set of copies of the report for the upcoming meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The unchanged and reflected copies of each configuration that are included in the Procrustes fit can therefore be interpreted as a set of copies of each original configuration to which the whole set of symmetry transformations has been applied.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

If you don't want to make any changes to the plans, you can usually order a set of copies.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Overlapping CNVs were aggregated to delineate a set of copy number variation regions (CNVRs) [ 27].

BMC Genomics

A common clonal origin of two tumours can be inferred if they share a set of copy number gains and losses, not likely to be shared at random.

British Journal of Cancer

To provide further quality control for the P1 assay, we compared P1 genotyping results with a set of copy-number assignments generated by a non-PCR-based technology.

Human Mutation

And he knows where all of that money goes, even down to the 50 cents it cost him for a set of Xerox copies.

The New York Times - Magazine

Naturally, a dissociation approach requires a set of ligand copies bound to the target.

Journal of Cheminformatics

NASA had lost their tapes of the data that the dust detectors collected and assumed the information from the DDE was lost forever — that is until 2006 when O'Brien told the space agency that he still had a set of backup copies.

Huffington Post

This sampling theory allows an efficient treatment of data and overall good predictions for the outcome of evolution on a set of gene copies in population(s) under specific demographic and migration scenarios.

Plosone

All participating physicians received by mail a written manual (17 pages) we had specifically developed for GPs on the basis of the ESC-Guidelines [ 6], and a set of 50 copies of the SCORE CVR tables, with a specifically designed patient information text overleaf.

BMC Family Practice

However based on the skewed distribution towards certain GO terms (e.g. plastid and mitochondrial functions) for this list of shared single copy nuclear genes, the data suggests that the list may contain a set of single-copy genes that are not shared at random (i.e. conserved single copy genes).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying the type of copies, be precise. For example, use "a set of backup copies" or "a set of Xerox copies" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a set of copies" excessively in formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be appropriate. Consider using alternatives like "reproductions" or "duplicates" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a set of copies" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. The examples show it referring to multiple reproductions or duplicates of something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a set of copies" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to multiple reproductions or duplicates of something. Ludwig provides examples from diverse sources, including science, news and media, and wiki content. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it may be more appropriate to use more formal alternatives like "reproductions" or "duplicates" in academic or professional contexts. The phrase is relatively rare, but its meaning is straightforward and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of duplicates

Replaces "set" with "collection" and "copies" with "duplicates", focusing on the replicated nature.

a batch of reproductions

Uses "batch" to emphasize a group and "reproductions" to highlight the act of copying.

a group of replicas

Employs "group" as a general term for a collection and "replicas" to denote exact copies.

multiple instances

Shifts focus to the idea of several occurrences or examples of something.

a series of imitations

Highlights the aspect of imitation or mirroring in the copies.

a suite of impressions

Suitable when referring to printed copies or impressions, like etchings.

an array of facsimiles

Uses "array" for arrangement and "facsimiles" for exact reproductions, often of documents.

a compilation of clones

Implies identical copies, often used in a biological or technical context.

a reserve of backups

Highlights the function of the copies as backups or safety nets.

a stack of prints

Specifically refers to printed copies, like photographs or documents.

FAQs

How can I use "a set of copies" in a sentence?

You can use "a set of copies" to refer to multiple reproductions of something. For example, "The library has "a set of copies" of the original manuscript."

What can I say instead of "a set of copies"?

You can use alternatives like "a collection of duplicates", "a batch of reproductions", or "multiple instances" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a set of copies" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a set of copies" might sound informal in some contexts. Consider using more precise terms like "reproductions" or "duplicates" for formal or academic writing.

What is the difference between "a set of copies" and "a series of copies"?

"A set of copies" implies a collection of similar items, while "a series of copies" suggests a sequence or order of reproductions.