master copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "master copy" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the original or official version of a document, file, or recording. Example: "The master copy of the report is stored in our digital archives for safekeeping." Another example: "Please make a photocopy of the master copy for each team member to review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Poehlman told Sobel that there was no master copy.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a unique original rather than a master copy of an album".

The Guardian - Music

You can produce a video installation, but the master copy of the tape will still demand a huge asking price".

The Guardian - Books

The lossless rip becomes the master copy of the CD, so you never have to rip it again.

The Guardian - Tech

"Paper is no longer the master copy; the digital version is," says Brewster Kahle, the founder and director of the Internet Archive, a nonprofit digital library.

The New York Times

Since the master copy is on the hard drive, you can spin out another identical DVD as often as you like, right there on the camcorder.

The New York Times - Tech

He would like to get the master copy back from American so the union can complete it and distribute it to members.

The New York Times

Della-Savia locked Tian's keyboard so that he could not make any more changes, and burned a final "master" copy of the game.

The Guardian - Tech

Now Sotheby's is planning to auction what it says is Wilson's master copy of the working draft of "Alcoholics Anonymous," the Big Book's disarmingly straightforward official title.

The New York Times - Books

He said the margin notes and last-minute changes before the master copy went off to the printer provided valuable insights into how the Big Book evolved.

The New York Times - Books

In fact, he had to make another version six months after the record was issued because the master copy wore out.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly label the "master copy" as such to avoid confusion with working duplicates.

Common error

Avoid directly editing the "master copy" when making revisions. Create a separate working copy to preserve the integrity of the original.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "master copy" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the original or primary version of a document, file, or recording. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "master copy" is a commonly used term to denote the original or definitive version of a document, file, or recording. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely understood across various contexts. Its frequent appearance in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources highlights its versatility. To ensure data integrity, it's crucial to safeguard the "master copy" and avoid making direct edits to it. Alternatives include "original version" or "definitive edition", depending on the specific emphasis needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

original version

Focuses on the aspect of being the first or initial version.

definitive edition

Emphasizes that the version is considered the most authoritative.

primary record

Highlights the function as the main or official record.

official version

Stresses the authorized or sanctioned nature of the copy.

source document

Indicates the copy is the origin from which others are derived.

template version

Highlights the characteristic of being a pattern for further production.

uncorrupted file

Conveys integrity and lack of damage, in the specific file context.

golden master

Specifically refers to the final version before mass production, often in software or media.

reference copy

Emphasizes the role as the one to be consulted for accuracy.

original recording

Specifically used in the context of audio or video recordings.

FAQs

How do you use "master copy" in a sentence?

The "master copy" serves as the definitive source for all subsequent versions. Always protect your "master copy" to avoid data corruption.

What's an alternative to "master copy"?

You can use alternatives such as "original version", "definitive edition", or "primary record", depending on the context.

Why is it important to maintain a "master copy"?

Maintaining a "master copy" ensures that you have a reliable and uncorrupted original version for archival purposes, disaster recovery, and future modifications.

What is the difference between a "master copy" and a working copy?

A "master copy" is the original, unaltered version of a file or document. A working copy is a duplicate used for editing, where changes are made without affecting the original.