an exact copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an exact copy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is a precise duplication of another item or document. Example: "Please provide me with an exact copy of the report for my records."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not that the new menu is an exact copy.

The Washington Post

Authors should retain an exact copy of any material submitted.

University of California, Berkeley

Ah, but the cemetery I'm talking about, Pereda said, is an exact copy of eternity.

The New Yorker

This molecule would be an exact copy of the genome of a small bacterium.

The New York Times

What differentiates a cigarette lighter Roosevelt was holding when he was assassinated from an exact copy?

The Guardian - Books

Ironically, she is not an exact copy of her mother, Rainbow.

The Guardian

He said: "It is an exact copy, completely and utterly exact - even the hair, the eyebrows".

The Guardian

Disk imaging refers to the process of making an exact copy of a disk.

Scene of the Cybercrime

A certified copy must be an exact copy of the signed original.

Cornell University

"That's why you can never clone an exact copy of your beloved pet," Shatz says.

Stanford University

provide me with an exact copy of the original footnoted reference.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and precision, use "an exact copy" to emphasize that the duplicate is faithful to the original in every detail.

Common error

Don't use "an exact copy" when you mean a similar but not identical version. Reserve it for situations where the replication is precise and complete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exact copy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It identifies something that is a precise duplication of another item. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase appears in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

24%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exact copy" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a precise and accurate duplication of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and commonly found across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "a precise duplicate" and "an identical replica" exist, the phrase remains a straightforward and effective way to communicate the idea of perfect replication. It's important to reserve its use for situations where the copy truly reflects the original without any alterations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precise duplicate

Emphasizes the accuracy and precision of the copy.

an identical replica

Highlights the similarity and representational aspect of the copy.

a faithful reproduction

Stresses the loyalty to the original in the copy.

a carbon copy

Implies a direct and unaltered transfer of information.

a mirror image

Suggests a reversed but otherwise identical form.

a spitting image

Conveys a strong resemblance, often used for people.

a clone

Refers to a genetically identical organism or a perfect duplicate.

a facsimile

Indicates a close and careful reproduction, often of documents.

a close imitation

Highlights the act of imitating with high accuracy.

a double

Suggests something that is very similar or identical to the original.

FAQs

How to use "an exact copy" in a sentence?

You can use "an exact copy" to describe something that is precisely duplicated. For example, "The museum created "an exact copy" of the ancient artifact."

What can I say instead of "an exact copy"?

You can use alternatives like "a precise duplicate", "an identical replica", or "a faithful reproduction" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an exact copy" or "a close copy"?

"An exact copy" implies a precise duplication, while "a close copy" suggests a similarity but not necessarily a perfect match. The correct choice depends on the level of accuracy you want to convey.

What's the difference between "an exact copy" and "a replica"?

"An exact copy" emphasizes the precision of the duplication, whereas "a replica" simply means a copy or reproduction. "An exact copy" suggests a higher degree of accuracy and faithfulness to the original.