original copy

USAGE SUMMARY

"original copy" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a copy of a document or file that has not been modified or changed in any way. For example: "Please submit an original copy of your file to the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Original copy is in the Bancroft Library.

University of California, Berkeley

She clumps upstairs and returns with an original copy.

The Guardian - Books

Cheaper than forking out for a £200+ original copy.

The Guardian - Music

The original copy said Ghana had 12 high court judges.

The Guardian

It was an original copy of the Smythe Report.

Yale University

The original copy was for the merchant and the carbon copy was for the customer.

Britannica

Likewise, word-processing centers prepare documents in the absence of the customer, who provides original copy.

Harvard Business Review

This late fact failed to catch up with the original copy in time for publication.

The Guardian

I don't have an original copy; a second edition recently sold on eBay for $660.

The Washington Post

Sure, there's the famous original copy in Thomas Jefferson's elegant penmanship.

The Washington Post

The book was Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are"; I still have the original copy.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to legal or official documents, always specify that you require the "original copy" to avoid confusion with photocopies or digital versions.

Common error

Don't assume that possessing the "original copy" grants exclusive rights or ownership. Copyright and intellectual property rights are separate concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "original copy" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a direct object or complement. It identifies a specific instance of a document, file, or artwork that is the first or authentic version. Ludwig AI shows that it is primarily used to emphasize authenticity and uniqueness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "original copy" is a common noun phrase used to specify the authentic or unaltered version of something. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its usage spans across varied contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific fields, as well as more informal settings. Due to its frequent use, it's important to ensure clarity when specifying requirements for the "original copy" of a document or file to avoid confusion. Remember that possession of the "original copy" does not automatically confer ownership or exclusive rights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmodified version

Focuses on the lack of alterations or changes from the initial state.

authentic version

Highlights the verified and unaltered state of the copy.

source document

Highlights that the copy comes from an original source, implying reliability.

untouched record

Emphasizes the preservation and lack of interference with the original state.

primary document

Stresses the importance of the document as a source of original information.

genuine article

Emphasizes authenticity and being the real thing rather than a reproduction.

first edition

Specifically refers to the initial published form of a work.

pristine edition

Suggests that the copy is in perfect condition and unaltered.

master print

Implies a high-quality original used for making reproductions.

initial transcript

Refers specifically to the original written record of spoken words.

FAQs

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

You can use "original copy" to specify that an authentic, unaltered version of a document or file is required. For example, "Please submit the "original copy" of your birth certificate".

What's an alternative to saying "original copy"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "authentic version", "genuine article", or "unmodified version".

Is it always necessary to provide the "original copy" of a document?

No, it's not always necessary. Many situations accept photocopies or digital scans. However, legal or official processes often require the "original copy" for verification purposes.

What should I do after creating an "original copy" of a digital file?

It's best practice to create backups of the "original copy" in multiple locations to prevent data loss. You should also store it in a safe location and consider encrypting it to protect it from unauthorized access.