make a copy of

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a copy of" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of copying something, either physical or digital. For example, "I need to make a copy of this document for my records."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make a copy of your paper.

Princeton University

Make a copy of the signed form.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And remember to make a copy of the new file.

The New York Times - Tech

After lunch, I asked the Sitrins if I could make a copy of the draft.

The New Yorker

But I did make a copy of the Super Soaker SS-50.

The New York Times

The district attorney, Susan D. Reed, declined to make a copy of the report available.

The New York Times

Mr. Jackson promised to make a copy of that summons public on Monday.

The New York Times

Make a copy of your entire response for your records.

University of Chicago

Make a copy of each document as you collect them and add them to your folder.

Huffington Post

What he didn't have the right to do was make a copy of them.

Los Angeles Times

Make a copy of the images.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before modifying an important file, "make a copy of" it as a backup to prevent data loss.

Common error

Avoid using "make a copy of" when the context already implies duplication. For instance, instead of saying "Make a copy of the backup file," simply state "Back up the file."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a copy of" functions as a directive or instruction to create a duplicate of something. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It is commonly used to instruct someone to duplicate a document, file, or other item.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

23%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

32%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a copy of" is a common and grammatically sound instruction for duplicating items, as confirmed by Ludwig. While it can appear in various contexts, its primary function is to ensure redundancy or preservation of information. Consider using synonyms such as "duplicate" or "reproduce" for variety, but avoid redundancy by omitting "make a copy of" when the context already implies duplication. This advice aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and widely used, but warrants careful application to avoid unnecessary wordiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duplicate

A more concise and direct verb for creating an exact replica.

reproduce

Emphasizes the process of creating a new version, often used in technical contexts.

photocopy

Specifically refers to creating a physical copy using a photocopier.

clone

Implies creating an identical copy, often used in a technical or biological sense.

replicate

Suggests creating an exact copy, often used in scientific or research contexts.

generate a duplicate of

A more formal and explicit way of saying "make a copy of".

create a replica of

Similar to 'duplicate', but emphasizes the creation of something that resembles the original.

produce a copy of

Focuses on the act of producing or generating the copy.

transcribe

Refers specifically to creating a written copy of spoken words.

imitate

Suggests creating something similar but not necessarily identical.

FAQs

How can I use "make a copy of" in a sentence?

You can use "make a copy of" when you want to duplicate something. For example, "Please "make a copy of" this document for your records."

What are some alternatives to "make a copy of"?

Alternatives include "duplicate", "reproduce", or "photocopy", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "make a copy of a duplicate"?

Yes, saying "make a copy of a duplicate" is generally redundant. Simply state that you are "duplicating" the original item.

When should I use "make a copy of" instead of "back up"?

"Make a copy of" is suitable for general duplication. Use "back up" when creating a copy specifically for data preservation or recovery purposes.