fair copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fair copy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a document that has been checked and corrected. For example, "I need you to give me a fair copy of the report before it is submitted to the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Add 53544 (LCP); fair copy, corrected.

Cornell University

Within minutes, both the original and the fair copy were ash.

The Guardian - Books

The manuscript is apparently unique and probably an autograph fair copy.

Yale University

"Look, he's taken the time to compose this little moral lesson, to write out a fair copy.

The New Yorker

Although Ged's system made fair copy, the opposition to his work resulted in its complete rejection by printers.

Britannica

Also hitherto reported as untraceable, Nelson's field map and a fair copy intended for publication are preserved in the archives of the Geological Society, London.

Proceedings of the Geologists' Association

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

But Mr. Babbitt, like many other composers, releases only fair copies.

The New York Times - Arts

At the 1958 Brussels World Fair, copies of Doctor Zhivago were distributed by a Russian-speaking priest at the Vatican Pavilion.

Stanford University

The manuscripts are mostly autograph fair copies, many of them in meticulous handwriting that aspires to the condition of print, rather than rough drafts.

The New York Times - Books

One sometimes wonders whether, as she made all those fair copies for Byron of cantos of Don Juan, a smile ever crossed her lips.

The Guardian - Books

Quinn arranged with Joyce to purchase the manuscript of "Ulysses," and Joyce forwarded him "fair" copies -- clean, handwritten drafts ready for the printer -- as he wrote.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fair copy" when you want to refer to a neat, error-free handwritten or typed document, especially in contexts involving manuscripts or formal submissions.

Common error

Avoid submitting a document labeled as a "fair copy" if it still contains visible errors or requires further revisions. A "fair copy" should represent the final, polished version.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fair copy" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a document that has been neatly and correctly written, without scratch-outs or revisions. It is often used in contexts related to manuscripts, legal documents, or any written material requiring a clean and final version, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

32%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fair copy" refers to a clean, error-free version of a document, ready for submission or publication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "final draft" or "clean copy" exist, "fair copy" emphasizes neatness and accuracy. Remember to reserve this term for documents that have been thoroughly reviewed and corrected to avoid misrepresenting the document's stage of completion. With 56 real-world examples, "fair copy" appears as a very common expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final draft

This term refers to the last version of a document before submission or publication, similar to "fair copy" but less specific about neatness.

clean copy

This emphasizes the absence of errors or corrections in the document, a key characteristic of a "fair copy".

revised manuscript

This highlights the process of improvement and correction that leads to a "fair copy".

polished version

This suggests a refinement and attention to detail, resulting in a high-quality "fair copy".

error-free document

This focuses on the accuracy and correctness of the "fair copy".

immaculate text

This emphasizes the perfection and flawlessness of the "fair copy".

finalized document

This indicates that the document has reached its concluding stage, similar to a "fair copy".

proofread manuscript

This term puts more emphasis on the editing and revision that occur on the manuscript

camera-ready copy

This implies a version of the copy suitable for printing, with more emphasis on it being publication-ready.

publishable draft

This highlights that copy is deemed suitable to be published, with much emphasis on it being good enough.

FAQs

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

You can say, "The author prepared a "fair copy" of the manuscript for the publisher" or "Before submitting the report, ensure you have a "fair copy" without any errors".

What are some alternatives to "fair copy"?

Alternatives include "final draft", "clean copy", or "polished version", depending on the context.

What distinguishes a "fair copy" from a draft?

A "fair copy" is the final, clean version of a document, free of errors and ready for submission, while a draft is an earlier version that may contain revisions and corrections.

Is a "fair copy" always handwritten?

No, a "fair copy" can be either handwritten or typed. The key is that it's a neat, error-free version ready for its intended purpose.