an identical copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an identical copy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is exactly the same as another item or document. Example: "Please provide an identical copy of the signed contract for our records."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Each helix makes an identical copy of the other from molecular building blocks in the cell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The offspring is an identical copy of the parent, which passes on all its genes.

Independent

See also: Ghost, Shaun Of The Dead, Property Ladder Wilmut's Cloned Sheep = CSI Cloning is the biological process of creating an identical copy of something's DNA cells.

The Guardian - Film

Instead anyone can contribute data to the ledger and everybody who has access to the ledger has an identical copy of it at any given time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not long after Chea's court date, the U.S. Embassy produced an identical copy of the boy's passport photo, which had been included in an adoption application.

The New York Times - Magazine

The image is based on important elements of the fingerprint, like where lines intersect or come to an end, rather than being an identical copy, biometric equipment makers say.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The only differences were that: (a) identical copies of a novel object were used for Trial 0, and (b) a pair of novel objects (X, Y) was placed at the opposite end of the maze between Trials 0 and 1 for the high interference group to explore for up to 1 min (see Figure 5).

Behavioral Neuroscience

The embryo is placed in the uterus of a surrogate mother, where it grows into a genetically identical copy, a clone, of the adult whose cell was used.

The New York Times

An engraving in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is an almost identical copy and features a note saying it is based on a self-portrait of the artist.

Huffington Post

Cloning, the process of generating a genetically identical copy of a cell or an organism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The newly unprogrammed cell then begins to divide and eventually develops into a 100% identical copy – a clone – of the donor.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an identical copy" when you need to emphasize that the copy is indistinguishable from the original. This is crucial in legal, scientific, and technical contexts where precision is essential.

Common error

While "an identical copy" is technically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "exact duplicate" or "carbon copy" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an identical copy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes something that is exactly the same as something else, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an identical copy" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that signifies something exactly the same as another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. While "exact replica" or "carbon copy" can be used in more informal situations, "an identical copy" is particularly useful when precision is key. Remember to use it appropriately and avoid overuse in casual conversations to maintain a natural tone. The frequency of its use across diverse sources underscores its importance in clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a carbon copy

More informal, implies a direct and exact duplication.

a perfect duplicate

Emphasizes the flawlessness of the copy.

an exact replica

Highlights the replication aspect, often used for physical objects.

a spitting image

Idiomatic, suggests a very close resemblance, especially in appearance.

a clone

Refers to a genetically identical organism or cell.

a facsimile

Implies a reproduction, often of documents.

a counterpart

Suggests something that serves the same function or role.

a double

Implies something exactly or very similar to another thing.

a mirror image

Describes something that is reversed but otherwise identical.

a reproduction

Focuses on the act of recreating something.

FAQs

How can I use "an identical copy" in a sentence?

Use "an identical copy" to indicate something that is exactly the same as the original. For instance, "The prosecutor presented "an identical copy" of the contract as evidence".

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

You can use alternatives like "exact replica", "perfect duplicate", or "carbon copy" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an identical copy" or "a similar copy"?

"An identical copy" means the copy is exactly the same as the original. "A similar copy" implies the copy shares some characteristics but is not exactly the same. The correct choice depends on the level of precision you want to convey.

What's the difference between "an identical copy" and "a clone"?

"An identical copy" is a general term for something that is exactly the same as another. "A clone" specifically refers to a genetically identical organism or cell, often created through biological processes.