get a copy

USAGE SUMMARY

"get a copy" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the intention to obtain a duplicate of an item. For example: "I need to get a copy of the report for my records."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could I get a copy?

The New Yorker

Prospective tenants get a copy.

The New York Times

Where can I get a copy?

The New York Times

Can I get a copy?

Cornell University

Would love to get a copy.

Princeton University

I'd get a copy of that.

Harvard University

"The smart owners get a copy made".

The New York Times

"Which I should get a copy of".

The New York Times - Magazine

I want you to get a copy.

The New York Times

Get a copy of the insurance brochure and read it.

The New York Times - Travel

If you get a copy, let me know.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking for a document, be specific about which "copy" you need (e.g., "Can I get a copy of the contract?").

Common error

Ensure you're using "copy" to refer to a duplicate of something, not "copyright" which refers to legal protection for intellectual property.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a copy" functions as a request or statement of intent to acquire a duplicate of something. As evidenced by Ludwig, it’s used to express the desire to have a replica of a document, file, or other item.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

33%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get a copy" is a versatile phrase used to express the desire to obtain a duplicate of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. While it is often suitable, more formal options like "obtain a copy" may be preferred in certain professional settings. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media and Academia, as well as on wikis, making it a valuable tool for effective communication. Remember to differentiate between "copy" and "copyright" to avoid confusion. With its widespread applicability, "get a copy" is a fundamental phrase for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain a copy

Formal alternative that emphasizes the act of acquiring something.

receive a copy

Focuses on the act of being given a copy, rather than actively obtaining it.

secure a copy

Suggests making an effort to obtain a copy, often implying it may be difficult to get.

acquire a copy

A more formal way of saying to get a copy, often used in business or academic contexts.

procure a copy

Very formal and less common, suggesting an official or deliberate acquisition.

pick up a copy

Informal and suggests a quick or easy acquisition.

access a copy

Emphasizes the ability to view or use a copy, often in a digital context.

fetch a copy

Informal, implies going to get something and bringing it back.

collect a copy

Similar to fetch, implies gathering or picking up the copy.

make a copy

Focuses on the act of creating a duplicate, rather than obtaining an existing one.

FAQs

How can I ask for a document politely?

Instead of directly saying "get a copy", you can use phrases like "Could I "obtain a copy"?" or "Would it be possible to "receive a copy"?"

What's the difference between "get a copy" and "make a copy"?

"Get a copy" implies receiving an existing duplicate, whereas "make a copy" means creating a new duplicate yourself.

Is "get a copy" appropriate for formal communication?

While generally acceptable, in formal contexts, consider using more formal alternatives such as "obtain a copy" or "acquire a copy".

What are some alternatives to "get a copy" when asking for digital files?

You could ask to "access a copy", "download a copy", or "receive a digital copy".