carbon copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carbon copy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a duplicate of a document or a copy that is exactly the same as the original. For example, "I sent her a carbon copy of the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Almost a carbon copy".

The New York Times - Sports

"A virtual carbon copy".

The New York Times - Arts

It is shorthand for "carbon copy".

The New York Times

Carbon copy The year was 1932.

Independent

"Carbon copy," my friend said.

The New York Times

Ten pages of blurry carbon copy.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

There was no chance of a carbon-copy interpretation.

The New York Times

The opera, "The Carbon-Copy Building," ran for 10 days last fall.

The New York Times

They just want to listen to their quasi-uplifting, carbon-copy Nickelback songs in peace.

The Guardian - Music

The White House won't seek a carbon-copy of its Colombian strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the major issues, there seems to be almost carbon-copy agreement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "carbon copy" in email correspondence, consider whether using "Bcc" (blind carbon copy) might be more appropriate to protect the privacy of recipients.

Common error

Avoid using "carbon copy" to describe something innovative or unique. The phrase inherently implies duplication, so it's contradictory to use it when emphasizing novelty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carbon copy" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a duplicate or close resemblance. Ludwig examples show it describing documents, behaviors, and even theatrical productions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "carbon copy" is a common term used to describe something that is a duplicate or very similar to something else. Ludwig's examples show its versatility, ranging from describing physical copies of documents to metaphorical resemblances in behavior or style. Although the term originates from a time when carbon paper was used for making copies, it remains relevant in modern language. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides diverse examples from authoritative sources, making it a useful and understandable phrase in a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exact duplicate

Emphasizes the identical nature of the copy.

precise replica

Highlights the accuracy and faithfulness of the reproduction.

close imitation

Suggests a similarity that may not be perfect, but very near.

mirror image

Implies a reversed, but otherwise identical, copy.

clone

Often used in scientific contexts or to describe something identical in origin.

spitting image

Informal, used to describe a very close resemblance, often in appearance.

dead ringer

Informal, suggests an almost uncanny similarity.

facsimile

Formal term for an exact copy or reproduction.

reproduction

General term for making a copy of something.

counterfeit

Suggests a copy made with the intent to deceive.

FAQs

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

You can use "carbon copy" to refer to a duplicate document, as in "I kept a "carbon copy" of the agreement for my records". It can also describe something that closely resembles something else, like, "The new policy is a "carbon copy" of the old one".

What's the difference between "carbon copy" and "duplicate"?

"Carbon copy" historically refers to a copy made using carbon paper, but now it more generally means a close replica. "Duplicate" is a broader term for any copy, not necessarily identical.

What can I say instead of "carbon copy"?

Alternatives include "exact duplicate", "precise replica", or "close imitation" depending on the level of similarity you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "carbon copy" in formal writing?

Yes, "carbon copy" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when referring to documents. However, in more creative contexts, consider using more descriptive synonyms like "precise replica" or "mirror image" for greater impact.