Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
l copies
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "l copies" is not correct in written English.
Did you mean "1 copy"? If this is the case, you can use it when referring to a single instance of a document or item that is being duplicated or printed. Example: "Please print 1 copy of the report for the meeting."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
In the Spray Phase, the source distributes L copies to L distinct relays.
The concatenation of two strings s and t is denoted by s · t, and the concatenation of l copies of a string s is denoted by s l.
Science
The expected NRC value in a region of a gain or loss of l copies can be calculated as E x p e c t e d N R C = (1 − c ) · 1 + c · (1 ± l / P ), where c is the fraction of all cells in the sample containing the CNA and P is the tumor ploidy.
Science
The likelihood for L copies of the original data is denoted by { L(α ; C )} L. It was shown by Lele et al. [ 24, 25] that when L is large enough, π L (�� | C (L )) will converge to a multivariate Normal distribution with the mean given by the MLE of the model parameters and variance-covariance matrix equal to 1/ L times the inverse of the Fisher information matrix for the MLE.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Although more data are desired, these results are comparable to humans where multiple M copies are found in 66% of males of European origin [ 11] and 56% of Japanese males [ 62] and more than one L copy is rarely found [ 63].
Science
Go to the command prompt of the server and type in command prompt osql –L Copy full name of SQL Server and type: OSQL -S -E Execute the following query: sp_password NULL, ", 'sa' GO Open SSMS management console.
Wiki
The number of predictors was increased by horizontally concatenating the original matrix L with copies of L containing 10% random bit-flips.
Science
The inference of μ is complicated since each run of l single copies may have been produced by an unknown number r of deletion events, either r = l events (the gene-by-gene model) or 1 ≤ r < l - 1 (the random excision model), and these r samples of the distribution ρ turn out not to be independent.
Science
However, in highly expressed genes, n is unlikely to be much smaller than k; thus, both gene length (L) and transcript copy number (n) contribute to the duration of transcription.
Science
Regarding non-human catarrhines, studies concur that a single L opsin copy is generally found in the genomes whereas some studies report that multiple M copies are rare [ 19, 21, 23, 25] yet other studies report that they are common [ 26, 29].
Science
The clones were highly homologous to each other and to the L-type copies.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When referring to a specific number of copies, use the numerical value followed by "copies" (e.g., "2 copies"). For a single instance, use "1 copy" or "a copy".
Common error
Avoid using the construction "l copies" as it is grammatically incorrect. Prefer "1 copy" for a single instance or specify the exact number when referring to multiples (e.g., "3 copies").
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "l copies" functions as a noun phrase intended to denote a certain quantity of duplicated items. However, it's grammatically incorrect. According to Ludwig AI, the correct form would be "1 copy" or specifying a number before "copies".
Frequent in
Science
75%
Wiki
25%
News & Media
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "l copies" is grammatically incorrect, though examples can be found in a variety of source domains. Ludwig AI suggests that you should use "1 copy" when only referring to one instance of an item or write the quantity before "copies" such as "2 copies". Predominantly found in scientific and technical contexts, its incorrect grammar means it is unsuitable for formal communication. It is important to use the correct grammatical form and be explicit when referring to the number of copies.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
X number of copies
Specifies the total count or volume of duplicates made. (where X is an integer)
Multiple copies
Focuses on the existence of more than one copy without specifying the exact number.
Many copies
A general term indicating a large quantity of copies.
Several copies
Indicates an unspecified number of copies, generally more than two.
Numerous copies
Similar to 'a number of copies' but implies a larger quantity.
A number of copies
Similar to 'several copies', implying an indefinite quantity.
Duplicate copies
Emphasizes that the copies are identical to the original.
A set of copies
Implies that copies were designed to be used together.
Replicated instances
More formal and technical, suitable for scientific contexts.
A multitude of copies
Suggests a large, often overwhelming, number of copies.
FAQs
How should I correctly refer to multiple instances of something?
The proper way to refer to several instances is to use the number followed by "copies". For example, use "3 copies" instead of the ungrammatical "l copies".
What is the correct grammatical form when referring to one instance of an item?
When referring to a single instance, the correct forms are "1 copy", "one copy", or "a single copy".
Are there alternative phrases to "l copies" that I can use?
Yes, you can use phrases like "multiple copies", "several copies", or "a number of copies" depending on the context.
Is "l copies" considered standard English?
No, "l copies" is not considered standard English and should be avoided in formal writing. Use "1 copy" or specify the quantity (e.g., "2 copies", "3 copies").
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested