reproduce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reproduce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of creating a copy or representation of something, such as a work of art, a scientific experiment, or data. Example: "In order to verify the results, the researchers needed to reproduce the experiment under controlled conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Similarly, the hamster can reproduce in 16 days – not, as we said, 16 weeks.

The Guardian

The next challenge is to take my present form and reproduce it for England".

The Guardian - Sport

But Tsonga accounted for Roger Federer at the same stage in 2013 and, if he can reproduce the form he showed against Berdych, it is not inconceivable he could set up a Paris rematch with the Swiss maestro.

The Guardian - Sport

Ants do not reproduce as individuals, instead the colony reproduces.

The Guardian

Carr comments, "It was entirely unethical of me to reproduce that conversation.

The Guardian - Books

Six years after they arrived, the frogs finally began to reproduce.

The Guardian

An acquaintance of mine who has an uncanny knack of being able to reproduce virtually any accent at the drop of a hat once did Greek waiter, Polish refugee, Italian gigolo and Spanish matador for a single 30-second radio advert, with a convincing Anthony Hopkins thrown in for good measure.

The Guardian

The Guardian is also right to reproduce the cover in a news article, for there is a clear public interest in knowing what all the fuss is about, and it's right to add a warning at the top saying that the article contains an image "which some may find offensive".

The Guardian - Opinion

They might even, if the mechanism can truly be understood, be able to reproduce, as well.In Dr Sinclair's view, the way caloric restriction prolongs life revolves around genes for proteins called sirtuins.

The Economist

Mr Vermes was inspired to write a third book by Hitler, and set about studying the man's speeches and writings to better reproduce the Führer's voice.Despite the book's provocative premise, Mr Vermes figured "He's Back" would find a niche audience.

The Economist

To reproduce the effect, the insides of the barrels, and also the inner surfaces of the barrel heads, are toasted.Toasting also breaks down the wood's hemi- cellulose a complex carbohydrate into simple sugars.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, "reproduce" can also refer to the ability to replicate results or conditions. Use it to indicate that a result can be consistently obtained under similar conditions.

Common error

While both relate to duplication, "reproduce" often implies a more complex or biological process. Avoid using "copy" when the context requires the nuance of "reproduce", especially in scientific or reproductive contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reproduce" is as a verb. It signifies the action of creating a copy or generating offspring. Ludwig AI shows it's used in contexts ranging from scientific experiments to biological processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "reproduce" is a versatile term used to describe the act of creating a copy or generating offspring. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "duplicate" and "replicate" exist, "reproduce" carries a nuanced meaning particularly applicable in biological and scientific discussions. When writing, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reproduce faithfully

Adds emphasis on the accuracy and precision of the duplication.

procreate

Specifically refers to producing offspring, focusing on the biological aspect.

duplicate

Implies creating an exact copy, often in a technical or formal context, lacking the biological connotation.

breed

Similar to procreate, but often used in the context of animals or cultivation.

replicate

Focuses on creating an identical version, often used in scientific experimentation or research.

copy

A more general term for making a duplicate, suitable for less formal situations.

multiply

Implies increasing in number, often through biological or mathematical processes.

generate

Emphasizes the creation or production of something new, rather than a direct copy.

recreate

Focuses on making something exist again, often implying a restoration or revival.

reissue

Specifically related to publishing or releasing something again.

FAQs

How can I use "reproduce" in a sentence?

You can use "reproduce" to describe creating a copy of something, like "Scientists tried to reproduce the experiment's results", or to describe biological reproduction, such as "Many animals reproduce in the spring".

What can I say instead of "reproduce"?

You can use alternatives like "duplicate", "replicate", or "copy", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "reproduce the results" or "replicate the results"?

Both "reproduce the results" and "replicate the results" are correct and can be used interchangeably, especially in scientific contexts. The choice depends on personal preference or style.

What's the difference between "reproduce" and "replicate"?

"Reproduce" is a more general term for creating a copy, while "replicate" often implies creating an exact, identical copy, especially in a scientific or technical setting. The subtle difference means they are often interchangeable.