cloning

USAGE SUMMARY

The word ‘cloning’ is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the process of making an exact genetic replica of an organism, although it can also be used more generally to describe the replication of any thing or process. For example, “Scientists are researching the use of cloning to produce tissue for medical treatments.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hammersmith's officers report cars with valuables on display to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency; that outfit contacts owners and warns them to be more careful.The decrease in crime is beyond doubt, but Mr Treadwell cautions that the kinds of activity that are now the staple of the professional criminal, like cloning credit cards, do not show up in crime reports.

The Economist

But Mr Jobs made some harsh decisions too, rescinding the licences of competitors who have been cloning Apple's Macintosh computers, and killing the Newton, an ill-fated hand-held device.Mr Schmidt and Mr Jobs have both made their peace with Microsoft.

The Economist

In August 2001, the administration banned federal funding for any new stem-cell "lines", including any created by cloning.

The Economist

It was concerned with Amendment 26, a measure on Mississippi's ballot this November that defines a person as being "every human being from the moment of fertilisation, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof .The reason for the measure is straightforward; its consequences less so.

The Economist

But not everyone's moral code is shaped by Judeo-Christian ethics—and besides, moral codes can change.At the moment, cloning mammals is a hazardous business.

The Economist

Many oppose the whole notion of cloning humans as an affront to human dignity.

The Economist

Cloning bypasses this by putting the genetic material from a pre-existing adult cell (which already carries a full complement of chromosomes) into an egg that has had its half-set of chromosomes removed.

The Economist

Add in the strange case of Hwang Woo-suk, a South Korean researcher who announced, to great acclaim, that he had succeeded in cloning human embryos and was then exposed as a fraud, and you have a field in which many researchers understandably fear to tread.Not Chinese researchers, though.

The Economist

Cloning animals is fine with most men but not with most women (we didn't ask animals).

The Economist

IT SOUNDS like science fiction, and it may well turn out to be: a group with extra-terrestrial interests turns to cloning to create a new breed to further its own peculiar ends.

The Economist

And when biotechnologists dare to trespass into areas such as cloning people, the fur really begins to fly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cloning" to refer to the creation of genetically identical copies. If you're referring to a more general copying process, consider words like "replication" or "duplication".

Common error

Avoid using "cloning" loosely to describe processes that aren't genetically identical copying. For example, software duplication or brand imitation should be described with terms like "copying", "replication", or "emulation" rather than "cloning".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cloning" is as a noun, referring to the process or result of creating an identical copy of an organism or cell. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes the creation of genetic replicas, aligning with its usage in examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cloning" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun, predominantly in News & Media and scientific contexts, as validated by Ludwig. It refers to the process of creating genetically identical copies. While "cloning" is primarily used in a neutral or formal register, its meaning shifts depending on the context, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Related terms include "replication" and "duplication". To avoid misinterpretations, be precise in defining the scope of "cloning" and consider the ethical factors involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generating a clone

Directly refers to the process of producing a clone, maintaining a close semantic relationship.

replication

Focuses on the process of creating an exact copy, often in a biological context, but applicable more broadly.

duplication

Emphasizes creating a duplicate or identical copy, suitable in various contexts, including non-biological ones.

genetic copying

Specifically refers to copying genetic material, highlighting the biological aspect of cloning.

creating a replica

Highlights the act of producing a copy that closely resembles the original.

producing a duplicate

Focuses on the act of generating an identical item or organism.

exact reproduction

Emphasizes the accuracy and precision involved in creating a copy.

creating an identical copy

Highlights the similarity between the original and the copy.

artificial propagation

Involves human intervention in the reproduction process, often used in botany and agriculture.

tissue engineering

Refers to artificially growing a tissue in a lab for later use in the human body.

FAQs

How is "cloning" typically used in scientific contexts?

In scientific contexts, "cloning" refers to creating a genetically identical copy of an organism, cell, or DNA sequence. This process is often used in research, medicine, and agriculture.

What are some ethical concerns associated with "cloning"?

Ethical concerns surrounding "cloning" often involve discussions about human dignity, the potential for misuse, and the welfare of cloned organisms. These concerns vary depending on the specific context, such as therapeutic versus reproductive cloning.

Which is correct, "cloning" or "genetic engineering"?

"Cloning" and "genetic engineering" are related but distinct concepts. "Cloning" creates a genetically identical copy, while "genetic engineering" modifies the genetic makeup of an organism. The choice depends on the specific process being described.

What can I say instead of "cloning" when referring to creating copies of digital files?

When referring to creating copies of digital files, alternatives to "cloning" include "copying", "duplicating", or "backing up". These terms are more appropriate for describing the process of creating identical digital copies.