a single copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single copy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to one instance of a document, item, or piece of information. Example: "Please provide a single copy of the report for review."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Miklós Radnóti, "never sold a single copy".

Princeton University

Evolution follows a model where maintenance of a single copy is critical for the organism.

Nature

Some had refrained from advertising it, while others ordered only a single copy.

The Washington Post

The nucleus from an egg or sperm that contains a single copy of each chromosome pair.

Nature

A single copy of the gene does not cause the disorder.

The New York Times

Yet, in the genotype V strain, a single copy difference was noted (Suppl. Table 5).

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

We don't have a single copy-cat in our portfolio".

TechCrunch

In addition, our analysis revealed an unexpected platform-dependent difference in sensitivity to detect a single copy-number loss and a single copy-number gain.

DNA Research

A single-copy SCA8 BAC-control animal (BAC-Ctl1 at 18 months) shows no motor phenotype.

Nature

"They tried to rely on selling single copies, and this is not a single-copy country.

The New York Times

BmChi-h was a single-copy gene and located on chromosome 7.

Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting a document or file, specify "a single copy" to avoid receiving multiple duplicates unnecessarily. This promotes efficiency and reduces clutter.

Common error

Avoid using "a single copy" when the context already implies singularity. For instance, instead of saying "He only needed a single copy of the original", simply state "He only needed the original".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single copy" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies the quantity or number of the noun it modifies. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

44%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single copy" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a singular instance of something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While "a single copy" can often be interchanged with "one copy", it's important to avoid redundancy in contexts where singularity is already implied. Related alternatives include "one instance" and "just one". When accuracy and clarity are required "a single copy" is a suitable expression in numerous writing tasks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just one copy

Emphasizes the limitation to only one item.

one instance

Emphasizes the individual occurrence rather than the physical item.

a solitary example

Highlights the uniqueness and isolation of the example.

a unique specimen

Implies rarity and distinctiveness of the item.

a lone item

Stresses the lack of accompanying items.

a singular version

Focuses on the specific edition or form.

a unique issue

Refers to one particular edition of a publication.

a single exemplar

Highlights that copy serves as a model or pattern.

an individual duplicate

Highlights the fact that there's one item, but its origin is based on a duplication process.

sole replica

Indicates this is the only reproduction available.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single copy" when you need to specify that only one instance of something is required or available. For example, "I only need "a single copy" of the document, not multiple versions."

What can I say instead of "a single copy"?

You can use alternatives like "one instance", "one example", or "just one" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a single copy" or "one copy"?

Both "a single copy" and "one copy" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "A single copy" may slightly emphasize the uniqueness or isolation of the copy, while "one copy" is more neutral.

What's the difference between "a single copy" and "the only copy"?

"A single copy" indicates that there is only one copy requested or needed, whereas "the only copy" implies that there is no other copy in existence. The latter is more emphatic about the uniqueness of the item.