create a duplicate of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create a duplicate of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the action of making an exact copy of something, such as a document, file, or object. Example: "Please create a duplicate of the report for our records."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

His refusal to create a duplicate of the original room, then destroy it, signals the artist's understanding that he is no more free of this relationship, or the market, than is any other artist.

The Washington Post

He added "We work so far ahead I can even tell you the finale the finale is a really cool episode called 'Roads to Vegas.' It's like a road show and Stewie and Brian teleport themselves to Las Vegas, but in the process [they] unknowingly create a duplicate of one another".

Wikipedia

Never save after using PlaceAt commands to create a duplicate of yourself.

WikiHow

This will automatically create a duplicate of the current document and place it next to the original for quick and easy reference and editing.

WikiHow

Create a duplicate of the heart so far (CTRL D) and move it to the side.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Three types of alignment were created: A: duplicate sequences from the array were combined with all other gene family members.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In a process similar to printing a photograph, engineers beam high-powered light through a mask-like image of the chip, creating a duplicate on a silicon wafer.

Forbes

In a process similar to printing a photograph, engineers beam high-powered light through a masklike image of the chip, thus creating a duplicate on a silicon wafer.

Forbes

Dr. Charles A. Vacanti, director of the laboratories for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine at Brigham and an author of the studies, said the technique could also raise ethical issues because it might provide an easier way than current cloning techniques of creating a duplicate of an animal, or even a person.

The New York Times

To make clear the difference between the two options, stem cell researchers developed the labels "reproductive cloning" (for, say, creating a duplicate of a person from his skin cells) and "therapeutic cloning" (for stem cell research to cure deadly diseases), vowing to do only the latter.

The New York Times

Like a "Bit.ly on steroids," the service lets you paste any URL into its copy engine or bookmarklet, creating a duplicate of the page on its servers.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to replicate data or files, specify the level of accuracy required. For instance, clarify whether a simple copy suffices or if the new version should be an exact, bit-for-bit duplicate.

Common error

While the phrase "create a duplicate of" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound less formal than alternatives like "reproduce" or "replicate" in professional writing. Consider the tone and audience of your content before using it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create a duplicate of" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of making an identical or near-identical copy of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

33%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "create a duplicate of" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe making an exact copy, as validated by Ludwig. It's considered correct and usable, fitting well in technical documentation and instructions. While "make a copy of" is similar, "create a duplicate of" emphasizes higher precision. Ludwig's analysis reveals that the phrase sees common use across platforms like Wiki, News & Media and Science. While generally neutral, consider alternatives like "replicate" or "reproduce" for more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duplicate

Functions as a verb, directly indicating the action of creating a copy.

make a copy of

Focuses on the act of copying, implying a similar but potentially less exact replication.

reproduce an exact copy of

Emphasizes the accuracy and precision of the copy being made.

generate a replica of

Highlights the creation of a near-identical representation or model.

clone

Implies creating an identical copy, often used in a biological or digital context.

replicate

Focuses on creating a copy through a specific process or method.

produce a facsimile of

Suggests the creation of a copy intended to closely resemble the original, often in appearance.

mirror

Suggests creating an exact reflection or representation.

imitate

Focuses on copying the style or characteristics of something, rather than creating an exact physical copy.

counterfeit

Implies creating a fraudulent copy, often with the intent to deceive.

FAQs

What is the difference between "create a duplicate of" and "make a copy of"?

While both phrases mean to produce something similar to an original, "create a duplicate of" often implies a higher degree of exactness and precision compared to "make a copy of".

When is it appropriate to use "create a duplicate of"?

It is appropriate to use "create a duplicate of" when you need an exact or near-exact replica of something, such as a file, document, or object. It's common in technical contexts, instructions, and when precision is important.

What are some alternative phrases to "create a duplicate of" that sound more formal?

More formal alternatives include "replicate", "reproduce", or "generate a replica of". The choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is "create a duplicate of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "create a duplicate of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English. According to Ludwig, it is a usable and acceptable phrase.