loose copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loose copy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a draft or an unedited version of a document that is not finalized. Example: "Please send me a loose copy of the report so I can review the content before the final submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Around 1520 30, the Ghent illuminator and miniaturist Simon Bening produced a half-length Virgin and Child that closely resembles van Eyck's panel, to the extent that it can be considered a loose copy.

Wikipedia

Jordan accused the Qiaodan Sports Co. of using his Chinese name, a loose copy of his logo, and his iconic No. 23 jersey to help grow its massive sportswear franchise — which now includes nearly 6,000 stores across China.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Copy number explosion is especially striking for recent still active mariner lineages, but is also observed in very old lineages supposed to progressively loose copies.

BMC Genomics

Open Copy.

WikiHow

I once had a loose typewritten copy of Will Ogilvie's "The Offside Leader", and then, characteristically, lost both poem and reference.

The Guardian - Books

For many decades all that remained of the ledger were loose random copies of pages, until two years ago when the ledger and its faded inked writings turned up in a Westport attic.

The New York Times

In contrast, in loose dimers, one copy of Sdo1p is capable of bridging the two subunits, but the high inter-domain flexibility of Sdo1p (de Oliveira et al., 2010) would allow a wobbling between two subunits.

Protein & Cell

OK, I get that it's pretty dumb to let an overly impressionable pre-teen loose with a copy of GTAV unsupervised.

Vice

MounThens and Skyscrapers Made from Maps and Books.

Vice

Okay, I get that it's pretty dumb to let an overly impressionable pre-teen loose with a copy of GTAV unsupervised – there's a lot of sick shit in that game, and nobody needs their pride and joy dragged into any faculty's disciplinary system for telling their Year Three teacher to go fuck themselves.

Vice

A couple of examples are: loose leaf paper, copy paper, colored paper, writing utensils, and other utensils.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "loose copy", ensure the context clarifies whether you mean a draft, an unedited version, or an inexact replica. Providing additional details will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "loose copy" to describe work that improperly borrows from other sources. "Loose copy" refers to drafts or inexact replications, not instances of plagiarism or copyright infringement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loose copy" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "loose" modifies the noun "copy". Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, which means it follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loose copy" is a grammatically sound phrase that refers to either a preliminary draft or an inexact replication. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usability, though its frequency is relatively low. Context is key to its effective use, ensuring clarity regarding whether you're referring to a document in progress or an imperfect likeness. Alternatives such as ""rough draft"" or "preliminary version" might be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance. It's crucial to avoid conflating the term with concepts like plagiarism, as "loose copy" pertains to the state of the copy itself, not its ethical origins.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rough draft

Replaces "copy" with a term specifically indicating an early version of a document.

preliminary version

Uses more formal language to denote a version that is not yet finalized.

uncorrected proof

Specifically refers to a version that has not yet been proofread.

working draft

Implies a version that is still being actively worked on.

early version

A general term for a version that is not the final one.

trial copy

Suggests a copy used for testing or evaluation.

informal draft

Highlights the lack of formality in the copy's preparation.

crude replica

Emphasizes the lack of refinement in the copy.

inexact duplicate

Focuses on the lack of precision in the copy.

approximate imitation

Indicates a similarity but not an exact replication.

FAQs

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

You can use "loose copy" to refer to a preliminary version of a document, like: "Please review this "rough draft" before the final submission." or to an inexact replica of something, such as: "The painting was a "rough draft" of the original".

What can I say instead of "loose copy"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like ""rough draft"", "preliminary version", or "working draft" if you mean a draft document. If you mean an inexact replica, consider "crude replica".

Is it acceptable to submit a "loose copy" for official purposes?

Generally, no. A "loose copy" implies a lack of finality or precision. For official purposes, always aim to submit a finalized, proofread, and accurate version. Submitting a "loose copy" might be acceptable for initial reviews or internal discussions.

What's the difference between "loose copy" and "fair copy"?

A "loose copy" typically refers to a draft or an unrefined version, whereas a "fair copy" is a clean, final version suitable for submission. The former is preliminary, while the latter is intended to be accurate and presentable.