a simple copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple copy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a straightforward reproduction or duplication of something, often in contexts related to documents, files, or information. Example: "I just need a simple copy of the report to review before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Prices start at about $20 for a simple copy of an LP to a CD.

The New York Times - Tech

It costs nothing for a simple copy and paste, better safe than sorry.

The Guardian - Tech

After all, it does not cost anything for a simple copy and paste".

Independent

In a letter signed by Speaker John Boehner and six other House leaders, Republicans didn't even bother to assemble their own package of spending cuts and revenue increases; they did a simple copy and paste of a few proposals made extemporaneously at a hearing last year by Erskine Bowles, the Democratic co-chairman of a deficit reduction committee.

The New York Times

This works for small views where a simple copy of the screen image is sufficient.

Mac OSX Developer Guide

We show this operation to be extremely important, because a simple copy of the information is not sufficient to guarantee the stability of the numerical scheme at high Reynolds numbers.

Journal of Computational Physics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Instead, he's being sued for using a simple copy-protection system found in almost all Android programs.

TechCrunch

He says that it has become "more simple than ever to find other's work on a topic and falsely pass it off as one's own with a simple copy-and-paste".

Huffington Post

Its meaning is unclear though many theories have been put forward trying to explain what it symbolized, none conclusive, including references to the dimensions of a grave, the amount of time a miscreant had to leave town, assorted Masonic symbolism, details of membership structure, and a simple copying of the symbol from organizations in Colorado and California.

Wikipedia

In summary, the functional analysis of UHRF1 domains and the identification of a UIM in DNMT1 challenge traditional views of maintenance DNA methylation as a simple copying mechanism.

Cell Research

In conclusion, during both major reprogramming phases in development, there is a rather dynamic DNA methylation landscape instead of a simple copying mechanism of the methylation pattern as seen in somatic cells.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to digital files, use "a simple copy" to indicate that the file is an exact, unaltered duplicate of the original.

Common error

Avoid using "a simple copy" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be expected. Consider using terms like "exact replica" or "unmodified reproduction" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple copy" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a direct object or a subject complement. As supported by Ludwig, it describes a basic or uncomplicated duplication. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a simple copy" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood noun phrase used to describe a basic or uncomplicated duplication. While Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct, it's relatively rare, appearing most frequently in news, media and scientific contexts. When more precision is required, consider alternatives like "straightforward duplicate". Avoid overuse in highly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a straightforward duplicate

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in the duplication process.

an uncomplicated replica

Highlights the ease with which the replica is created.

an easy reproduction

Focuses on the effortless nature of the reproduction.

a basic imitation

Suggests a rudimentary level of copying, lacking advanced features.

a plain transcript

Implies a direct and unaltered transfer of information.

a direct clone

Indicates a complete and unaltered duplication.

a rudimentary version

Highlights the basic and underdeveloped nature of the copy.

a facile replication

Underscores the quick and easy nature of the replication process.

an elementary duplicate

Stresses the fundamental and uncomplicated aspect of the duplication.

a clear-cut imitation

Emphasizes the straightforward and unambiguous nature of the imitation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a simple copy" to describe a straightforward duplication or reproduction of something, such as "I need a simple copy of the document" or "Making a simple copy of the file is easy".

What are some alternatives to "a simple copy"?

You can use alternatives like "a straightforward duplicate", "an easy reproduction", or "a basic imitation" depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "a simple copy" may be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise terms like "exact replica" or "unmodified reproduction".

What does "a simple copy" imply about the process of copying?

The phrase "a simple copy" implies that the process of duplication or reproduction is uncomplicated and does not involve significant alterations or complexities.