ask for copies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for copies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting duplicate documents or materials from someone. Example: "If you need additional information, please don't hesitate to ask for copies of the reports."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Outsidersare rebuffed if they ask for copies.

The Economist

"People are calling our '800' number to ask for copies of the lyrics".

The New York Times

Ask for copies of any scans and for accompanying radiologist's reports, which might not otherwise be included.

The New York Times

Usually the A.N.A. soldiers like their picture taken and ask for copies of the photographs for themselves.

The New York Times

Ms. Gates sat in her kitchen and started making CD's of the song for people who had written to ask for copies, charging them $2 each.

The New York Times

Members of Congress may make the reports public, and their constituents can write to ask for copies of reports they know exist.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"I've had Barbra Streisand ask for copy approval.

The New York Times

Asked for copies of county inspections, Mr. Puglisi said, "No formal reports are issued".

The New York Times

"I've been asking for copies of the rules of the voting," Ms. Walker said.

The New York Times

The senators also asked for copies of contracts, something not normally made public.

The New York Times - Health

MPs have asked for copies of the legal advice supplied before and after that October meeting.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking for copies of sensitive documents, clarify the purpose of the copies and how they will be stored or used.

Common error

Avoid simply saying "Can I have copies?" without indicating whether you need digital or hard copies. Be specific to ensure you receive the correct format.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for copies" functions as a verb phrase used to express a request for duplicate documents or materials. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask for copies" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for requesting duplicate materials or documents. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in various contexts. While not overly formal, it's suitable for a wide range of situations, from professional to casual. The primary contexts for this phrase are news and media, wikis, and formal business settings. If you're looking for alternative ways to express the same sentiment, consider using "request duplicates" or "inquire about copies" depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request copies

A slightly more formal and direct request.

request duplicates

Emphasizes a more formal request for identical items.

get copies

A more informal way to express the request.

can I have copies

A direct and polite request for the copies.

inquire about copies

Suggests a preliminary step to determine availability.

seek copies

Highlights the act of actively trying to obtain copies.

apply for copies

Suggests a formal application process is required.

obtain copies

Focuses on the result of getting the copies.

order copies

Indicates a formal ordering process, potentially involving payment.

procure copies

Implies a more official or complex acquisition process.

FAQs

How do I use "ask for copies" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for copies" when you need duplicate documents or materials. For instance, "After the meeting, remember to ask for copies of the minutes."

What's a more formal way to say "ask for copies"?

A more formal alternative to "ask for copies" is to "request copies" or "request duplicates".

Is it impolite to "ask for copies" of something?

No, it's generally not impolite to "ask for copies", especially if you have a legitimate reason to need them. However, always be polite and explain why you need the copies.

What can I do if I "ask for copies" but don't receive them?

If you don't receive the copies after asking, follow up politely with the person or organization responsible. Clearly state your request and the reason you need the documents.