to be copied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be copied" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as an instruction that something should be duplicated, or copied, for example, "Please copy the document and email it to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And destined to be copied.

The New York Times

"We don't want to be copied".

The New York Times

In general, we should want good ideas to be copied.

The New Yorker

This widespread co-operation is a model to be copied.

The Economist

This necklace was the first emblem to be copied around the world.

The New Yorker

The intention was for it to be copied, which it was, in about 10 different places.

The New York Times - Science

He pioneered in designing dresses to be copied in French workrooms and distributed throughout the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She'd prepared definitions to be copied down, but the projector was broken.

The New York Times

Like Mr. Irham, he has denied deliberately allowing the films to be copied and distributed.

The New York Times

-Mr. Garrison sent 20 reels out to be copied to a digital format.

The New York Times

(The Italians merely presented examples of such letters to be copied).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to duplicate information, use "to be copied" clearly and directly, ensuring the recipient understands the action required. For example, "These files need to be copied to the backup drive immediately."

Common error

Avoid using "to be copied" when you mean "to copy". The former implies an action to be done by someone or something else, whereas the latter indicates an action you're about to perform. Instead of saying "The files are to be copied by me", say "I am to copy the files", or preferably "I will copy the files".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be copied" functions as a passive infinitive. This grammatical structure indicates an action that will be performed on the subject by an unspecified actor. As seen in Ludwig's examples, this construction is often used in instructions or requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be copied" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive infinitive, signaling an action of duplication to be performed on a subject. According to Ludwig, it is utilized across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. It maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various communication settings. Understanding the nuance of "to be copied" ensures clarity in instructions and requirements, preventing misinterpretations, as clarified by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be replicated

Replaces "copied" with "replicated", emphasizing a more exact or scientific duplication.

to be duplicated

Substitutes "copied" with "duplicated", highlighting the creation of an identical item.

to be reproduced

Changes "copied" to "reproduced", often used in the context of images or documents.

to be mirrored

Replaces "copied" with "mirrored", implying an exact, often digital, replication.

to be cloned

Substitutes "copied" with "cloned", suggesting an identical genetic or digital replica.

to be imitated

Replaces "copied" with "imitated", focusing on the act of following a model or example.

to be emulated

Changes "copied" to "emulated", implying an attempt to match or surpass the original.

to be mirrored

Replaces "copied" with "mirrored", suggesting a close resemblance or duplication of something.

to be transcribed

Replaces "copied" with "transcribed", emphasizing a written or typed copy.

to be photographed

Changes "copied" to "photographed", specifically referring to capturing an image.

FAQs

How is "to be copied" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "to be copied" usually indicates something is intended for duplication. For example, "This document is "to be copied" and distributed to all team members".

What are some alternatives to "to be copied"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to be replicated", "to be duplicated", or "to be reproduced".

Is it correct to say "to be copied" instead of "to copy"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "To copy" is an active infinitive, while "to be copied" is a passive infinitive. "I need "to copy" the file" means you will do the copying. "The file needs "to be copied"" means someone else needs to do it.

When should I use "to be copied" versus "to copy"?

Use "to copy" when you are the one performing the action. Use "to be copied" when something else needs to perform the action. For instance, "I need to copy this" versus "This needs "to be copied"".