duplicate of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "duplicate of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is a copy of something else, such as a document, file, or folder. For example, "This folder is a duplicate of the original one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Every work is a duplicate of a previous piece.

The Guardian - Opinion

Zindzi wondered why he wanted a duplicate of his final prison.

The Guardian

The badge Mr. Seignious was carrying was a duplicate of an authentic police badge.

The New York Times

The one labeled Jonathan Connors was a duplicate of the picture of another victim, Kevin Connors.

The New York Times

Printed elements are repeated, yet none is an exact duplicate of another.

The New York Times

There is no duplicate of it among the swarming populations of the globe!

The New Yorker

Indeed, I'd settle for a duplicate of ThistleDown at Aqueduct right now.

The New Yorker

The picture labeled Thomas H. McGinnis was a duplicate of the picture of Glenn Thompson.

The New York Times

Marion Vuchetich said she understood that a clone "wouldn't be a duplicate of Matthew".

The New York Times - Magazine

Near sunset, Sorochan boated a duplicate of my fish and immediately released it.

The New York Times - Sports

He had been right after all: It was a duplicate of Earth.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an exact copy, use "duplicate of" to clearly convey that the item is virtually identical to the original.

Common error

Avoid using "duplicate of" when describing items that are merely similar but not exact copies. Instead, use terms like "similar to" or "reminiscent of" to accurately reflect the degree of resemblance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "duplicate of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to describe something that is an exact copy or reproduction of another. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "duplicate of" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is an exact copy of something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While alternatives like "copy of" and "replica of" exist, it's crucial to use "duplicate of" when describing something virtually identical to its original. Remember to avoid using "duplicate of" for things that are merely similar. By understanding its function, purpose, and typical usage patterns, you can effectively and accurately incorporate "duplicate of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

copy of

Replaces "duplicate" with "copy", emphasizing the act of replicating something.

replica of

Suggests a high degree of similarity and precision in the replication, often implying an intentional reproduction.

reproduction of

Emphasizes the process of creating a copy, suitable when the focus is on the act of replicating.

carbon copy of

Implies an exact and identical copy, down to the smallest detail.

mirror image of

Suggests a reversed but otherwise identical likeness.

equivalent of

Indicates something that serves the same function or has the same value, though not necessarily a physical copy.

facsimile of

A formal term indicating an exact copy, especially of documents or artworks.

counterpart of

Suggests a matching or corresponding item, often used in comparisons.

image of

A less formal term indicating a likeness or representation.

clone of

Implies an exact genetic or functional replication, often used in scientific contexts or to describe very similar items.

FAQs

How is "copy of" different from "duplicate of"?

"Copy of" is a more general term for something that has been replicated, while "duplicate of" often implies an exact and identical replication. The nuance lies in the degree of precision and intent.

When should I use "replica of" instead of "duplicate of"?

Use "replica of" when the copy is intentionally created to resemble the original, often for display or as a substitute. "Duplicate of" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply intention or purpose.

Is it always necessary to specify "of" after "duplicate"?

Yes, the phrase is "duplicate of". Omitting "of" changes the grammatical structure and is incorrect. For example, "This is a duplicate file" is correct, but requires rephrasing instead of dropping the "of".

What are some formal alternatives to "duplicate of" in academic writing?

In formal or academic writing, you could use "reproduction of", "facsimile of", or "equivalent of" depending on the context and the degree of similarity you want to convey.