preliminary copy

USAGE SUMMARY

'preliminary copy' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically refers to a preliminary version of a document, which may be subject to revisions before it is finalized. For example: "Please look over the preliminary copy of the memo and let me know if you have any suggestions for revisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He asked the Academies's committee to deliver a preliminary copy of its report last fall so that its recommendations might inform his work.

Science Magazine

VICE managed to obtain a preliminary copy of a draft. .

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The White House hired outside companies to pull the messages off computer backup tapes, but the preliminary copying of the tapes has not begun, the judge was told today.

The New York Times

Iraq Reconstruction Effort By U.S. Criticized in Report The first official history of the $25 billion American reconstruction effort in Iraq depicts a program hobbled from the outset by gross understaffing, a lack of technical expertise, bureaucratic infighting, secrecy and constantly escalating security costs, according to a preliminary draft copy of the document.

The New York Times

Other than the report of Ferlini et al. [13], who conducted preliminary analysis of copy number variations associated with CCSVI in a group of 15 MS patients, no information is available on the role of genetic factors in CCSVI.

Plosone

Except for Ferlini et al. [13] who conducted preliminary analysis of copy number variations associated CCSVI in a group of 15 MS patients, no information is available on the role of genetic factors in CCSVI MS. The goal of this study was to assess the associations of CCSVI with HLA DRB1*1501, a genetic variation that has been consistently linked to MS in familial and association studies.

Plosone

A preliminary assessment of copy-number variation (extra or missing copies of genomic segments) between strains of E. tenella was also carried out.

BMC Genomics

Based on preliminary findings on other copy number variants (CNVs), we hypothesised that IQ would not mediate the relationship between the deletion and psychiatric problems (Model A., Fig. 1).

British Journal of Psychiatry

A copy of the preliminary findings was provided to The New York Times.

The New York Times

They produced a copy of a "preliminary" report from Kroll and e-mails showing the undisclosed conflict had been reported to Bentonville.

The New York Times

Among the center's projects have been preliminary work on the original copy of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and research on plant material from the Lewis and Clark expedition and on spacesuits from the Apollo program.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When sharing a "preliminary copy", clearly indicate its status to avoid confusion. Add a watermark or note stating "Draft" or "Preliminary".

Common error

Do not treat a "preliminary copy" as a definitive source. Always verify information with the final version.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary copy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a specific version of a document or file.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary copy" denotes an early, unfinalized version of a document. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, although its usage is relatively rare, appearing primarily in news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the "preliminary" status is clear to avoid confusion. Consider alternatives like "draft copy" or "provisional copy" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provisional copy

Replaces "preliminary" with "provisional", indicating a temporary or conditional version.

initial copy

Replaces "preliminary" with "initial", emphasizing that it's the first version.

draft copy

Uses "draft" to specify that the copy is still under development.

preliminary version

Substitutes "copy" with "version", maintaining the sense of an early form.

advance copy

Implies the copy is provided before its official release.

early copy

Focuses on the timing of the copy's availability.

pre-release copy

Specifically indicates a copy made available before the official release.

trial copy

Suggests the copy is for testing or evaluation purposes.

mockup copy

More related to design or presentation previews.

sample copy

Implies a representative example, not necessarily unfinalized.

FAQs

What does "preliminary copy" mean?

A "preliminary copy" refers to an early or draft version of a document, report, or file that is subject to change and not yet finalized.

What's another way to say "preliminary copy"?

Alternatives to "preliminary copy" include "provisional copy", "initial copy", or "draft copy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How do I indicate that a document is a "preliminary copy"?

Clearly label the document as a "preliminary copy" or "draft". You can also include a disclaimer indicating that the information is subject to change.

Is it okay to share a "preliminary copy"?

Sharing a "preliminary copy" is acceptable as long as it's clearly identified as such, and recipients understand that the information is not yet final.