are copies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are copies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the existence or presence of multiple copies of something, often in contexts related to documents, files, or reproductions. Example: "The documents you requested are copies of the original contracts that were signed last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

There are copies and copies.

Independent

We ourselves are copies.

The New York Times - Books

Now he knows they are copies.

The New York Times - Magazine

"What we have are copies of copies of copies".

The New York Times

Also, there are copies of magazines and literary journals.

The Guardian - Books

There are neo-classical dresses, vulgar because they are copies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But we reject the charge that they are copies".

The New York Times

On a round white coffee table are copies of Vibe.

The New York Times

On the wall of my office are copies of advertisements from famous past proxy contests.

The New York Times

Is this just a box ticking confirmation, or are copies of underlying audits or licences provided?

The Guardian

On a table in Sparkes's office are copies of Teach Like a Champion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing multiple instances of something, use "are copies" to clearly indicate that these are reproductions rather than originals. For example: "The files on the backup drive are copies of the main server's data."

Common error

Avoid using "is a copy" when referring to multiple items. "Is a copy" is singular, while "are copies" is plural. For example, instead of "These documents is a copy", say "These documents are copies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are copies" functions as a predicate nominative, linking the subject to a noun that renames it. As Ludwig AI explains, this construction affirms that certain entities exist as duplications or reproductions of something else. Examples show its use in describing documents, files, and even genetic material.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are copies" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, primarily functioning as a predicate nominative to denote that multiple items exist as reproductions or duplicates. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for diverse contexts, maintaining a neutral register applicable in news, science, and formal communication. When using "are copies", ensure correct number agreement and be mindful of similar expressions like "are replicas" and "are duplicates" for nuanced communication. Given the high frequency of "are copies" you are unlikely to make a mistake.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are replicas

This phrase emphasizes that the items are reproductions, maintaining a high degree of similarity to the original.

are duplicates

This alternative simply indicates that the items are identical reproductions.

are reproductions

This highlights the act of reproducing something, implying a created copy.

are carbon copies

This phrase suggests an exact and direct duplication, especially in a document context.

are imitations

This suggests that the items are not originals but are made to resemble something else.

represent copies

This emphasizes that the items stand for or symbolize reproductions of something.

are facsimiles

This indicates that the items are exact reproductions, often used in a formal or technical context.

consist of duplicates

This alternative focuses on the composition of something being made up of identical items.

constitute duplicates

This alternative describes the act of composing something of identical items in a formal context.

are cloned

This phrase implies that the items are genetically identical reproductions, often used in scientific contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "are copies" in a sentence?

Use "are copies" to indicate that multiple items are reproductions or duplicates of an original. For example: "The documents you need "are copies" of the original agreement."

What's the difference between "are copies" and "is a copy"?

"Are copies" refers to multiple reproductions, while "is a copy" refers to a single reproduction. The choice depends on whether you're discussing one or more items.

What can I say instead of "are copies"?

You can use alternatives like "are replicas", "are duplicates", or "are reproductions" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the files are copy"?

No, it's not correct. The correct phrase is "the files "are copies"". The word "copies" is a plural noun and requires the plural verb "are".