copy that

USAGE SUMMARY

"copy that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a casual phrase that is used to acknowledge that you heard and understood what the other person said. For example, Person 1: Can you head to the store and pick up some milk? Person 2: Copy that.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Copy that?" "Copy that, Ed".

The New Yorker

BASE JANGO: Copy that.

The New Yorker

It is a copy that was also a learning process.

The Guardian - Arts

It's impossible for anyone to copy that look".

The New Yorker

Copy that, copy that, copy that.

BBC

You could copy that approach.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The French copied that.

The Guardian - Sport

"If a book sells 30,000 copies that's a success.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Those copies that reached the shops were quickly snapped up.

The Guardian - Books

They gave me physical copies, that rarely happens.

The New York Times - Arts

They did weird copies that came out in blue ink.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "copy that" in informal settings, such as casual conversations or internal team communications, where brevity and quick acknowledgement are valued.

Common error

Avoid using "copy that" in formal business reports, academic papers, or presentations. Opt for more professional alternatives like "acknowledged" or "understood" to maintain a suitable tone.

How to use

Learn how to use "copy that" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "copy that" primarily functions as an interjection or response. Ludwig AI confirms its use to acknowledge receipt and understanding of a message. Similar to "roger" or "understood", it's a quick way to communicate comprehension.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

26%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "copy that" is a grammatically correct phrase used for acknowledging and confirming receipt of information, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's commonly used in informal settings. While its origins are rooted in radio communications, its informal tone makes it unsuitable for formal contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources but can also be seen in wiki and formal business contexts. For professional settings, consider using more formal alternatives such as "acknowledged" or "understood".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Understood

Directly conveys understanding of the received information.

Got it

Informal and succinct way to indicate understanding.

Affirmative

A more formal acknowledgement, often used in professional or structured settings.

Roger

A concise acknowledgement, originating from radio communication protocols.

Acknowledged

Formal way to confirm receipt of information.

Message received

Explicitly states that the message was received.

I understand

States comprehension of the information.

Noted

Confirms that information has been taken into account.

Okay

Simple agreement and confirmation.

Will do

Indicates agreement and intention to carry out the instruction.

FAQs

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

You can use "copy that" to acknowledge instructions or information. For example: "Can you send me the report?" "Copy that, sending it now."

What's a more formal alternative to "copy that"?

Alternatives include "acknowledged", "understood", or "message received", which are suitable for professional settings.

When is it inappropriate to use "copy that"?

It's generally inappropriate in formal writing or when addressing someone of higher authority. Stick to professional language in those situations.

Is "copy that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "copy that" is grammatically acceptable in informal contexts as a short way to say "I understand and will comply".