provide a copy

USAGE SUMMARY

'provide a copy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to provide you with a copy of something, or when you are offering to provide a copy of something. Example: Please provide a copy of your driver's license.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The company did provide a copy of its program.

The New York Times

He declined to provide a copy of the criminal complaint.

The New York Times

They also offered to provide a copy of the tape to fire officials, Mr. Trevor said.

The New York Times

Fortunately, he said, his bank was able to provide a copy of the canceled check.

The New York Times

She refused to provide a copy of the list to a reporter.

The New York Times

Well then, could the office of public information provide a copy of the papers?

The New York Times

"If so, could you please provide a copy of that assessment?" Algar asked.

The Guardian

But county officials declined to provide a copy of a report.

The New York Times

The lawyer declined, however, to provide a copy of the notice.

The New York Times

Jensen and Primus declined to provide a copy of the audit report.

The New York Times

Mr. Kelly's office was kind enough to provide a copy of the recipe to City Room.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting a document, specify the format you need (e.g., "Please provide a digital copy" instead of just "Please provide a copy").

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying what type of "copy" you need. For example, instead of saying "provide a copy", clarify if you need a "digital copy", "certified copy", or "photocopy" to avoid misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a copy" functions as a directive speech act, where the speaker is requesting or offering to furnish a duplicate of something. It is used to facilitate the exchange of information or documentation, as supported by Ludwig's examples of real-world usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide a copy" is a versatile and commonly used expression for requesting or offering a duplicate of something, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It spans across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications and wikis. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's essential to specify the type of "copy" you need (digital, certified, etc.) to avoid ambiguity. For alternatives, consider "supply a duplicate" or "furnish a reproduction" for a more formal tone. In summary, "provide a copy" is a clear and effective way to ask for or offer a duplicate, provided you clarify the specifics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supply a duplicate

Replaces "copy" with "duplicate", emphasizing the identical nature of what's being provided.

furnish a reproduction

"Furnish" and "reproduction" offer a slightly more formal tone than "provide" and "copy".

offer a version

Uses "version" instead of "copy", suitable when the item isn't necessarily an exact duplicate but a specific iteration.

give a transcript

Applies specifically when the copy is a written record of spoken words.

issue a document

Replaces providing a copy with the action of formally releasing a document.

send a replica

Suggests a more physical, manufactured copy rather than a digital one.

hand over a transcript

Implies a physical transfer of a written record.

make available a document

Focuses on enabling access to a document rather than directly giving a copy.

share a file

Specifically refers to digital documents or data.

release a duplicate

Highlights the act of formally releasing a copy.

FAQs

How do I formally request someone to "provide a copy" of a document?

To formally request a document, start with a polite and direct statement like, "I would appreciate it if you could "supply a duplicate"" or "Kindly "furnish a reproduction" of the document." Be sure to specify the document's name and any relevant details.

What's a more informal way to ask someone to "provide a copy"?

In an informal setting, you can ask, "Could you "share a file" with me?" or simply, "Can you send me a "replica"?"

Is it better to say "provide a copy" or "send a copy"?

The choice between "provide a copy" and "send a copy" depends on the context. "Provide a copy" is more general and can refer to any method of giving someone a copy. "Send a copy" specifically implies transmitting it, often electronically or through mail.

What if someone refuses to "provide a copy" of a document I'm entitled to?

If you are legally entitled to a document and someone refuses to "provide a copy", you may need to seek legal advice. Document your requests and any refusals, and consult with an attorney to understand your rights and options.