duplicate keys

USAGE SUMMARY

"duplicate keys" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase can be used when referring to physical keys that have been duplicated or copied, or it can also be used in a figurative sense when talking about something that has been repeated or replicated. Example: "The locksmith warned me that having duplicate keys made for my house can be a security risk." Example: "The media company's marketing strategy includes using duplicate keys for their email blasts to target different demographics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Duplicate Keys, a mystery novel, appeared in 1984.

Britannica

Her lover has hidden the 3 duplicate keys, along with 11 others, in the chapel.

The New Yorker

Many of them come simply for for commonplace needs, like duplicate keys.

The New York Times

In one demonstration, the team cut duplicate keys after analysing images taken on a mobile phone.

The Guardian

If a guest loses his key, duplicate keys for lids marked "A", "B" and so forth are tried until the right one is found.

The New York Times

Seven closed keys are for e'-flat, f' (two duplicate keys), g'-sharp, b'-flat, c", and c"' (or possibly e?).

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

As Mr. Sherpa fished for his duplicate key, he recalled, he felt the first blow.

The New York Times

He wants to get a duplicate key to his apartment cut at a locksmith in the East Village.

The Guardian

Katie got a duplicate key cut for Paul's room – and was spied on by the creepy hotel owner (I presume).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Indeed, if any tiny consolation has emerged, Mr. Butcher said, it is that advance planning and lessons from the 1993 bombing prompted officials to decentralize and to duplicate key financial and management records.

The New York Times

As he put it in recent congressional testimony, "I have never met a car owner who did not have at least one duplicate key to his car.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing security, specify the number of "duplicate keys" made to highlight potential risks.

Common error

Avoid casually distributing "duplicate keys" without considering the security risks involved. Always keep track of who has access.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "duplicate keys" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to copies of keys. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is generally accepted and used correctly in various contexts. The examples confirm it is used to indicate copies of physical keys.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "duplicate keys" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to refer to copied keys. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is used correctly and understandably across different contexts. While most frequently found in news and media, as well as academic sources, it maintains a neutral register and serves the primary purpose of identifying replicated keys. Be mindful of security risks and context when using or discussing "duplicate keys".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spare keys

Focuses on the 'extra' aspect rather than the 'copy' aspect. Highlights readily available alternatives.

backup keys

Emphasizes the role of the keys as a contingency measure.

extra set of keys

More explicit and less concise than the original phrase.

copy keys

Stresses the action of copying or replicating the original keys.

key copies

Reorders the terms, but retains the same meaning.

replicated keys

Uses a more formal term ('replicated') to convey the act of making copies.

key duplicates

Swaps the order and changes the emphasis slightly, focusing on the individual copies.

cloned keys

Suggests a more technical or precise method of duplication.

secondary keys

Implies keys are not the original, holding lesser importance.

alternative keys

Indicates keys serving the same purpose but potentially of different origin or type.

FAQs

How are "duplicate keys" typically used?

"Duplicate keys" are commonly used as spares for emergencies, to provide access to trusted individuals, or for convenience in multi-user situations.

What are some synonyms for "duplicate keys"?

Alternatives include "spare keys", "backup keys", or "extra set of keys", depending on the context.

What security considerations should I keep in mind when making "duplicate keys"?

Consider the potential risks of unauthorized access and always keep track of who has copies. Using "do not duplicate" keys can also add a layer of security.

Is it "duplicate keys" or "duplicated keys"? Which is correct?

"Duplicate keys" is the standard noun phrase. "Duplicated keys" can be used as a descriptive adjective phrase, but "duplicate keys" is more common in most contexts.