copy of

USAGE SUMMARY

"copy of" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
For example, "I need a copy of my rental agreement for the apartment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Copy of deal sent to bbc.

The New York Times

Fletcher kept a copy of the footage.

Independent

Including an extra copy of the Internet!

The New Yorker

Rent a copy of "Stalag 17".

The New York Times

It was a copy of "True Romances".

The New Yorker

Anyone can download a copy of it.

The Economist

There's a copy of "Moby-Dick".

The New Yorker

A copy of the letter is attached.

The New York Times

Related sites Copy of report.

Science Magazine

Keep a copy of everything you send.

Forbes

Keep a copy of everything. 5.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting a "copy of" a document, specify the format you need (e.g., digital, hard copy, certified).

Common error

Always remember that a "copy of" a document might not have the same legal standing as the original. Ensure you understand the requirements for official submissions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "copy of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun. It is used to specify that what is being referred to is a duplicate or reproduction, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "copy of" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a duplicate or reproduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, from formal requests to casual mentions. Its neutral register allows for use in various settings. When using "copy of", ensure clarity by specifying the format if needed and being aware that a "copy of" may not always carry the same legal weight as the original document. Consider alternative phrases such as "duplicate of" or "reproduction of", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duplicate of

Replaces "copy" with "duplicate", emphasizing exact replication.

reproduction of

Substitutes "copy" with "reproduction", often used for artistic or historical items.

replica of

Emphasizes that the item is a manufactured imitation.

transcript of

Used specifically for written or recorded material.

version of

Implies a specific iteration or form of something.

facsimile of

Indicates an exact visual copy, often of documents.

image of

Focuses on the visual aspect of the duplication.

representation of

Suggests a symbolic or abstract likeness.

imitation of

Highlights that the item is not genuine.

counterfeit of

Specifies an illegal or fraudulent imitation.

FAQs

How do I use "copy of" in a sentence?

You can use "copy of" to request a duplicate of something, such as "I need a copy of my birth certificate" or "Please provide a copy of the report".

What can I say instead of "copy of"?

Alternatives include "duplicate of", "reproduction of", or "transcript of", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "copy of" versus "original"?

"Copy of" is used when you need a duplicate for reference or backup. "Original" refers to the authentic, first version, typically required for official purposes.

What documents typically require a certified "copy of"?

Documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, and court orders often require a certified "copy of" to be legally valid. This ensures the "duplicate of" is an accurate representation of the original.