hard copies

USAGE SUMMARY

'hard copies' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to physical copies of documents, such as documents printed from a computer. For example: "Be sure to keep a few hard copies of the contract for your records."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But we'll always keep the hard copies.

The New Yorker

No hard copies exist for a thief to steal.

The New York Times

Or, at least, make hard copies of your favourite lolcats.

The Guardian - Books

In Malawi all patients carry hard copies of their records.

The Guardian

Save hard copies of relevant e-mails.

Forbes

Please send it to me via email of hard copies.

Functional Linguistics

But hard copies of the intelligence were missing.

BBC

There are no hard copies, apparently, of the lyrics.

BBC

Hard copies of the questionnaires were also distributed to recent Chinese immigrants at workshops and seminars.

International Journal of Anthropology and Ethnology

As in these examples, concealing data in hard copies is desirable in general.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

(text 1-1-A)   (6) Please send it to me via email of hard copies.

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to physical documents that are important, specify "hard copies" to differentiate them from digital versions, especially in legal or archival contexts.

Common error

Don't assume that having "hard copies" eliminates the need for digital backups. While "hard copies" offer a physical record, they are susceptible to loss, damage, and degradation. Maintain digital backups in addition to physical copies for comprehensive data security.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard copies" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies physical, printed versions of documents or files, distinguishing them from their digital counterparts. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is correct and commonly encountered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard copies" refers to physical, printed versions of documents and is widely accepted as correct usage. It's particularly relevant in discussions about archiving, legal requirements, and preferences for tangible records. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used in diverse contexts, spanning from scientific literature to news reports. While digital backups are crucial, "hard copies" maintain their significance for accessibility and security in specific situations. Be sure to specify "hard copies" when differentiating from digital formats, and remember to complement them with digital backups for comprehensive data management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardcopy documents

Combines 'hardcopy' into a single word before 'documents'.

physical copies

Emphasizes the physical nature of the copies, which is already implied.

tangible copies

Uses 'tangible' to highlight the physical and touchable nature of the copies.

paper documents

Specifies the medium as paper, providing more detail.

printed versions

Highlights that these are versions that have been printed.

printed documents

Replaces 'copies' with 'documents' and specifies the format as printed.

physical printouts

Replaces 'copies' with 'printouts' and emphasizes the physical format.

printed records

Substitutes 'copies' with 'records', implying official documentation.

paper versions

Emphasizes that these are versions existing on paper.

written documents

Focuses on the aspect of being written, although most hard copies are.

FAQs

What does "hard copies" mean?

"Hard copies" refers to physical, printed versions of documents, as opposed to digital or electronic files.

Why would I need "hard copies" in the digital age?

"Hard copies" provide a tangible backup, can be necessary for legal or archival purposes, and may be preferred by individuals who are not digitally literate.

What are some alternatives to saying "hard copies"?

You can use terms like "printed documents", "physical copies", or "paper documents" depending on the context.

Are "hard copies" more secure than digital copies?

While "hard copies" are not vulnerable to hacking or viruses, they are susceptible to physical damage, loss, or theft. Digital copies, if properly secured, can offer superior protection against these risks.