smacks of copyright

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smacks of copyright" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something has the characteristics or qualities associated with copyright infringement or issues. Example: "The similarities between these two songs really smacks of copyright, raising concerns about originality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The animal supplement smacks of copyright.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Plagiarism entails breach of copyright crimes here.

The New York Times - Books

Retention of copyright.

International Journal of STEM Education

The King of Copyright.

Vice

The U.S. Copyright Office online searchable database of copyright registrations.

Huffington Post

Be respectful of copyright.

WikiHow

Beware of copyright issues.

WikiHow

Beware of copyright laws.

WikiHow

Beware of copyright!

WikiHow

Be aware of copyright issues.

WikiHow

This is a violation of copyright laws.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smacks of copyright" to subtly suggest potential copyright issues without making a direct accusation. This is useful in contexts where you want to raise concerns without being confrontational.

Common error

Avoid using "smacks of copyright" in highly formal or legal documents. It's more appropriate for journalistic or informal writing where a less direct tone is acceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smacks of copyright" functions as an evaluative expression, suggesting a resemblance or indication of copyright infringement. It's used to imply a potential legal issue without making a direct accusation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "smacks of copyright" is a way to express a suspicion or concern about potential copyright infringement without making a definitive claim. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct but leans towards a neutral or informal register. Its usage is relatively rare, primarily found in news and media or wiki contexts. When writing, it's best to use this phrase to subtly raise concerns in less formal settings, avoiding it in legal or highly professional documents. Consider more direct and formal alternatives like "suggests copyright infringement" or "implies copyright violation" for those contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggests copyright infringement

Focuses on the direct act of infringing copyright law.

implies copyright violation

Highlights the violation aspect of copyright.

resembles copyright infringement

Emphasizes the similarity to actions that violate copyright.

hints at copyright breach

Indicates a subtle suggestion of copyright being breached.

bears resemblance to copyright violation

Highlights a clear similarity to copyright violation.

evokes copyright concerns

Shifts focus to the concerns related to copyright.

raises copyright issues

Introduces the general topic of copyright-related problems.

gives the impression of copyright infringement

Focuses on the perception of copyright infringement.

smells of copyright theft

Uses a more informal and accusatory tone, implying copyright theft.

alludes to copyright transgression

Suggests an indirect reference to copyright transgression.

FAQs

What does "smacks of copyright" mean?

The phrase "smacks of copyright" suggests that something closely resembles or hints at copyright infringement. It implies a potential violation of copyright laws.

How can I use "smacks of copyright" in a sentence?

You can use it to express that a work or action appears to infringe on existing copyrights. For example, "The unauthorized use of the melody "smacks of copyright" infringement."

What are some alternatives to "smacks of copyright"?

Alternatives include "suggests copyright infringement", "implies copyright violation", or "resembles copyright infringement". These phrases convey a similar meaning but may be more or less formal depending on the context.

Is "smacks of copyright" a formal way to express copyright concerns?

No, "smacks of copyright" is generally considered informal. More formal options would be "violates copyright law" or "infringes on copyright protection".