copy for

USAGE SUMMARY

"copy for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to make a copy of something, either to give someone else a copy or to keep a copy for yourself. For example, "Can you make a copy for me?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another bought a copy for a grandson.

The New York Times

To buy a copy for £6.39 inc.

The Guardian - Travel

I've bought a copy for my daughter.

The Guardian - Books

Buy a copy for £13.59 at bookshop.theguardian.com.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Chip and Josh ordered a copy for $19.95.

The New Yorker

Order a copy for £18.99 here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He autographed a DVD copy for me.

The New Yorker

To buy a copy for £8.79, go to guardianbookshop.co.uk.

The Guardian - Travel

Pre-order a copy for £16 from the Guardian bookshop.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To order a copy for £20 visit the Guardian bookshop.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Click here to order a copy for £15.19.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "copy for", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose of the copy, such as "a copy for the archives" or "make a copy for your records".

Common error

Avoid using "copy for" without specifying who or what the copy is intended for, as this can lead to ambiguity. Instead of saying "make a copy", clarify with "make a copy for John" or "make a copy for filing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "copy for" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase specifying the recipient or purpose of a duplicate. It clarifies the intended use or destination of the copied material. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

25%

Books

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "copy for" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the purpose or recipient of a duplicate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used and understood in various contexts. The analysis shows it is most prevalent in news and media, lifestyle, and book-related content. To ensure clarity, always specify who or what the copy is for. Remember, while alternatives exist, "copy for" is a direct and effective way to convey the intention behind creating a copy. Examples show its versatile nature and demonstrate that precise language improves overall communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duplicate for

Replaces "copy" with a direct synonym, focusing on the action of making an identical item.

reproduction for

Emphasizes the act of recreating something, often used in more formal contexts.

version for

Highlights a specific iteration or adaptation intended for a particular purpose or recipient.

transcript for

Implies a written record of spoken words intended for someone's use.

facsimile for

Suggests an exact replica, often of a document, intended for preservation or distribution.

impression for

Focuses on creating a printed version, typically in the context of art or publishing.

counterfeit for

Indicates an unauthorized imitation, usually with the intent to deceive.

mock-up for

Implies a preliminary model intended for demonstration or testing.

image for

Refers to a visual representation suitable for a specific context or recipient.

representation for

Highlights a symbolic or illustrative depiction tailored for a particular audience.

FAQs

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

You can use "copy for" to indicate the intended recipient or purpose of a copy, as in "He requested a "copy for" his lawyer" or "This is a working "copy for" internal use only".

What are some alternatives to "copy for"?

Depending on the context, alternatives might include "duplicate for", "reproduction for", or specifying the recipient directly, like "copy for John".

Is it always necessary to specify the purpose after "copy for"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the purpose or recipient after "copy for" enhances clarity and avoids potential misunderstandings.

What's the difference between "copy for" and "a copy to give to"?

"Copy for" is more concise and direct, while "a copy to give to" is more descriptive and can be used when emphasizing the act of giving the copy to someone.