secure a copy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure a copy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to obtain or ensure possession of a copy of a document or item. Example: "Please make sure to secure a copy of the report before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Kickstarter backers can pay at least £12 to secure a copy of the game, rising to £5,000 to fly to Finland to meet Sociable Soccer's development team and "jump into an ice lake, eat reindeer, drink beer".

The Guardian - Tech

In the movie's most ridiculous tangent, Nick enlists her straight brother as an undercover agent to flirt with the drag queen to secure a copy of a possibly incriminating video made at the party.

The New York Times

The marketing manager for Abbey's Bookshop, Craig Kirchner, told Guardian Australia customers were so keen to secure a copy of the magazine featuring the prophet Muhammad on the cover he had organised to ship some to Australia through his French contacts.

The Guardian

In particular, you should secure a copy of the institution's faculty handbook and check its provisions against AAUP recommended standards.

Duke University

What did I do so bad to deserve that?" Margaret said she managed to secure a copy of her file from the hospital records which remain, but they did not appear to include any details of her treatment.

BBC

Her autobiography is now out, and chances are you'll be able to secure a copy when you visit the playhouse.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Pro-Morsi groups claim to have secured a copy of the recording, and have been steadily leaking unused excerpts from the interview since the summer.

The Guardian

Having secured a copy of Köhler's Dictionary of the English and German Languages, I went, on an impulse, to the card catalogue and looked up von Junzt, Friedrich.

The New Yorker

But later that day he secured a copy of the original police report, which contained four pages, excised from the version on file, detailing Gibson's anti-Semitic rant.

The New Yorker

Although the 312-page report of the Rowe Task Force has not been voluntarily released, I secured a copy several years ago and published its findings about Hoover's handling of the Birmingham case.

The New York Times - Magazine

Having secured a copy of his 1983 novel, "Shadow Trade," I expected to find it a weak or charmless specimen, and that's where I ran into another paradox of the disowned book: an author's scorn for his past works can inspire a compensatory protectiveness in its readers.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "secure a copy" in professional settings, it emphasizes the importance of not just obtaining but also protecting access to the document or information. Always ensure you have the necessary permissions to secure the copy.

Common error

Avoid using "secure a copy" when simply "getting a copy" suffices. "Secure" implies a need for protection or a deliberate effort to safeguard access, so ensure this connotation is relevant to your context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure a copy" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of obtaining something, emphasizing the act of ensuring its safekeeping or guaranteed access. It highlights the importance of the copy being protected or reliably available. This is confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secure a copy" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It signifies obtaining a copy of something, with an added emphasis on ensuring its protection or guaranteed access. While synonyms like "get a copy" or "obtain a copy" exist, "secure a copy" implies a need for safekeeping. It appears most frequently in news and media, wiki, and academic contexts. Keep in mind that, using it in professional settings, highlights the importance of safeguarding access and that's why the register can be considered neutral to professional. Therefore, consider its connotation carefully to make sure it is appropriate to the occasion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain a copy

Focuses on the act of getting a copy, removing the implication of safeguarding or ensuring access.

acquire a copy

Similar to "obtain", but can suggest a more formal or deliberate process.

get a copy

A simpler, more direct way of saying "secure a copy", suitable for informal contexts.

procure a copy

Implies effort or a specific action taken to obtain the copy.

ensure you have a copy

Shifts the focus to guaranteeing possession, emphasizing preparedness.

make sure to get a copy

Highlights the importance of obtaining the copy, emphasizing proactive action.

arrange to receive a copy

Focuses on coordinating the receipt of a copy, more formal and emphasizes planning.

lay hold of a copy

An archaic phrasing that is much less common in modern communication, but evokes a stronger sense of possessing something, with a stress on intentionality.

assure access to a copy

Emphasizes the guarantee of being able to consult the document, with a focus on continuous access to it.

lock down a copy

Slang that implies gaining control, and ownership with a touch of competitive drive.

FAQs

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

You can use "secure a copy" when you want to emphasize the importance of obtaining and protecting a document or information. For example, "Please "secure a copy" of the contract before the meeting."

What's a simpler way to say "secure a copy"?

Alternatives include "get a copy" or "obtain a copy", which are less formal and more straightforward.

When is it appropriate to use "secure a copy" instead of "get a copy"?

"Secure a copy" is more appropriate when there's a need to ensure the copy is protected or access is guaranteed. "Get a copy" is suitable for general situations where obtaining the copy is the primary focus.

Is "secure a copy" more formal than "get a copy"?

Yes, "secure a copy" is generally more formal and implies a more deliberate or cautious approach to obtaining a document, compared to the more casual "get a copy".