counterfoil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "counterfoil" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the part of a ticket or receipt that is retained by the issuer as a record, while the other part is given to the customer. Example: "Please keep the counterfoil of your ticket as proof of purchase for any future inquiries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

While dátiles con tocino sounded a mite sweet, the Spanish Valderon blue cheese stuffing in the dates and the crisp bacon wrapped around them made a perfect counterfoil.

The New York Times

Is this the counterfoil To sweetest music?

The New York Times

This tale bookends Lost and Found in Johannesburg and its complexity is surely the perfect counterfoil to the idea that the only way to deal with an intruder in today's South Africa is to shoot four times through a locked door.

The Guardian

The president "was supporting the Halcones as a counterfoil to the activist left-wing," and "may well have given his blessing to the use of the group" against the demonstrators, the State Department said in its report on June 17 , 1971

The New York Times

Breezy, confident and ultracompetent, Rajiv serves as a maddening counterfoil to his struggling younger brother, whose waffling and zigzag career path infuriates their father.

The New York Times - Books

At his apartment, "after her eyes had adjusted to the darkness, she saw that the little world inside had barely changed; it was as if the little room had been encased in a time capsule.... Wang Qiyao failed to understand that it is precisely this myriad of unchanging little worlds that serves as a counterfoil to the tumultuous changes taking place in the outside world".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This may take the form of a pool or collection of tickets or their counterfoils from which the winners are extracted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using the more common term "stub" as a simpler alternative to "counterfoil", especially in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "counterfoil" to refer to any general receipt or record. It specifically denotes the portion retained by the issuer, not the entire document given to the customer.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "counterfoil" is as a noun. It typically refers to the part of a check, ticket, or other document that is kept by the issuer, serving as a record. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "counterfoil" refers to the part of a ticket, check, or document that is retained by the issuer for their records. While grammatically correct and usable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's less commonly used than alternatives like "stub". Its usage appears in neutral and formal contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, be clear about the purpose of the "counterfoil" and, if appropriate, consider simpler alternatives like "stub" for improved clarity. Understanding the nuance of this term ensures accuracy and precision in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stub

A shorter, more common term for the part of a ticket or check retained as a record.

check stub

Specifically refers to the counterfoil of a check.

record of purchase

Emphasizes the function of the counterfoil as proof of a transaction.

confirmation slip

Another way to refer to a proof of purchase

proof of payment

Highlights the counterfoil's role in verifying that a payment was made.

retained portion

Focuses on the physical aspect of the counterfoil being kept by the issuer.

issuer's copy

Focuses on the fact that the counterfoil is stored by the one who issued the document

point of contrast

Shifts the meaning towards serving as an opposite or contrasting element.

complementary element

Indicates a contrasting but harmonious component.

balancing factor

Highlights the role of counterfoil in creating equilibrium.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "counterfoil"?

The word "counterfoil" refers to the part of a ticket, check, or other document that is kept by the issuer as a record.

What can I say instead of "counterfoil"?

You can use alternatives like "stub", "receipt portion", or "issuer's copy" depending on the context.

How do I use "counterfoil" in a sentence?

Example: "Please keep the "counterfoil" of your ticket as proof of purchase for any future inquiries."

What is the difference between a "counterfoil" and a receipt?

A ""counterfoil"" is the part of a document retained by the issuer, while a receipt is given to the customer as proof of purchase.