in triplicate

USAGE SUMMARY

"in triplicate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate three identical copies of something that must be completed. For example, "I need you to fill out the application form in triplicate and bring it to the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stonehenge is in triplicate.

The Guardian - Sport

Submit poetry entries in triplicate.

Yale University

Samples were analyzed in triplicate.

Nature

Determinations were made in triplicate.

Nature

(c) Growth curves in triplicate.

Nature

Experiments were repeated in triplicate.

Nature

One character appears in triplicate.

The New York Times - Arts

Experiments were performed in triplicate.

Nature

This was performed in triplicate.

Nature

Now Rosalie Downey worries in triplicate).

The New York Times

Nintendo's pink puffball hero returns in triplicate.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in triplicate" in formal writing, ensure it's clear what exactly needs to be provided in three copies. For clarity, specify the document or data being replicated.

Common error

Avoid using "in triplicate" when simply meaning 'three times'. It specifically refers to creating three identical copies of something, not just repeating an action thrice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in triplicate" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify how many copies or instances are required. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it's frequently used in contexts where formal documentation or precise replication is needed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

25%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in triplicate" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that something must be created or submitted in three identical copies. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's primarily found in formal settings, particularly within scientific research, news reports, and academic contexts. While there may be less formal alternatives like "three copies", the use of "in triplicate" underscores a requirement for precision and duplication. Remember to use it when you are specifically asking for 3 copies, not just indicating something should be done three times. This phrase maintains a formal and somewhat technical tone, so it is best used in formal or professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in threefold

Focuses on numerical multiplicity.

in three copies

Specifies a concrete number of copies.

three times over

Emphasizes the action being repeated.

repeated three times

Clearly states the action is reiterated.

in three instances

Highlights the occurrence of something multiple times.

multiply

Implies mathematical increase in number.

replicated

Refers to copies in scientific field.

redoubled

Suggestion of augmented intensity or effort.

tripled

Indicates increasing something threefold.

in similar fashion

General similarity or repetition in behavior or process.

FAQs

How do I use "in triplicate" in a sentence?

You can use "in triplicate" to specify that something needs to be copied three times. For example, "Please submit the application form "in triplicate"."

What's a less formal alternative to "in triplicate"?

If you don't need to emphasize the creation of exact copies, you could say "three copies" or "three times" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "in triplicate" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "in triplicate" leans towards formal usage. In casual contexts, phrases like "three copies" or simply specifying the number needed is often more natural.

What kind of documents are typically requested "in triplicate"?

The documents requested "in triplicate" are typically formal documents such as applications, contracts, or official reports.