carbon copies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carbon copies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to identical or nearly identical copies of a document or text that are made using carbon paper. Example: "I need three carbon copies of this report for the meeting tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I don't like carbon copies.

The New York Times

We don't want carbon copies.

The Guardian - Music

Yet they were not carbon copies.

The New York Times

I keep carbon copies for my archive.

The Washington Post

Perhaps chairmen can be carbon copies at Christmas.

The Guardian - Sport

Dancers imitated one another in Richard Rivera's "Carbon Copies".

The New York Times - Arts

The tests can also determine whether carbon copies were made.

The New York Times

#1273 Cayuga County Cemetery Inscriptions (426 pp. typescript carbon copies).

Cornell University

Correspondence, original typed manuscripts, 2 carbon copies, and galley proofs.

Cornell University

Millsap's letters to the Imamuras are represented by carbon copies.

Yale University

No Carbon Copies Mr. Mercer, the hair and makeup designer, said he welcomed such input.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "carbon copies" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates that you're referring to something that lacks originality or is an exact imitation.

Common error

Avoid using "carbon copies" in contexts where you want to emphasize faithful reproduction with added value or improvement. The phrase often implies a lack of creativity or uniqueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carbon copies" primarily functions as a noun, often used to describe multiple items or concepts that are virtually identical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across varied contexts. For instance, it can refer to literal duplicates of documents or, metaphorically, to anything lacking originality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

32%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "carbon copies" functions as a noun phrase denoting near-identical replicates, both literally (copies made with carbon paper) and metaphorically (lacking originality). Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. While primarily found in News & Media and Academia, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, be aware of its connotation of unoriginality. Alternatives include "exact duplicates" or "identical reproductions" depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exact duplicates

Focuses on the precision of the copy, emphasizing an identical replica.

identical reproductions

Highlights the reproduction aspect, stressing that the copies are the same.

perfect imitations

Emphasizes the accuracy of the imitation, suggesting a high level of similarity.

precise replicas

Stresses the exactness of the replication, implying a close match to the original.

mirror images

Suggests a reflected similarity, where elements are reversed but essentially the same.

close facsimiles

Highlights a similarity in form or appearance, indicating a near-identical copy.

twin versions

Implies two versions that are essentially the same, like twins.

cloned editions

Uses the term "cloned" to suggest an exact genetic or digital copy.

cookie-cutter copies

Suggests mass-produced, identical copies, often with a negative connotation.

uniform iterations

Focuses on the uniformity and consistency of the copies, indicating they are all the same.

FAQs

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

You can use "carbon copies" to describe things that are identical or lacking in originality. For example, "The new buildings are "carbon copies" of each other" or "The band's new album sounds like "carbon copies" of their earlier work".

What's a modern alternative to the literal meaning of "carbon copies"?

In the context of documents and correspondence, modern alternatives to "carbon copies" include "digital duplicates", "scanned copies", or simply "copies". In email, using the "CC" (carbon copy) or "BCC" (blind carbon copy) functions serves a similar purpose.

Which is the right way to use "carbon copies", as a metaphor or literally?

Both usages are correct depending on the context. Literally, it refers to copies made with carbon paper. Metaphorically, it describes something unoriginal or identical to something else. The appropriateness depends on whether you're describing a physical copying process or drawing a comparison.

What are the implications of describing something as "carbon copies"?

Describing something as "carbon copies" often implies a lack of originality, creativity, or individuality. It suggests that the items or ideas are identical or closely similar, potentially carrying a negative connotation depending on the specific context.