copy
A2Neutral to formal (verb and noun both common across registers).
Definition
Meaning
A single instance or reproduction of an original text, document, image, or object.
To reproduce or imitate something; a duplicate; text prepared for publication or advertising; a sample issue of a newspaper or magazine.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, often refers to the material being reproduced, but in publishing/journalism, it specifically means the written text. As a verb, it implies a deliberate act of duplication or imitation, sometimes with a negative connotation (e.g., cheating). The noun form is countable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. In publishing, 'copy' is standard in both. The phrase 'hard copy' is universal. Some minor spelling differences in derived terms (e.g., photocopier, photocopy are standard).
Connotations
Identical. Both can use 'copycat' for an imitator. In school contexts, 'to copy' (verb) meaning 'to cheat' is equally understood.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
copy sth (from sb/sth)copy sth (into/onto sth)copy sth (from sth) (to sth)copy sb (in sth)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “carbon copy (of sb/sth)”
- “a copycat crime”
- “blot one's copybook”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Please send me a copy of the signed contract." Refers to duplicates of documents, records, or emails.
Academic
"You must provide a copy of your thesis to the library." Also used in referencing: "See the attached copy of the source."
Everyday
"Can I have a copy of that photo?" "He copied my homework."
Technical
In computing: "Use Ctrl+C to copy the selected text." Refers to the operation of duplicating data.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you copy this memo for the team, please?
- She was punished for copying her friend's maths answers.
- I'll copy the report onto the shared drive.
American English
- Copy this file to the new folder.
- He copied my dance moves perfectly.
- Make sure to copy the manager on that email.
adjective
British English
- We need more copy paper for the printer.
- The copy editor checked the article for errors.
American English
- Is this the copy machine? It's out of toner.
- She works in the copy department at the ad agency.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a copy of the book.
- Please copy this sentence.
- She made a copy of the key.
- Could you send me a digital copy of the presentation?
- He was accused of copying his competitor's marketing strategy.
- Always keep a backup copy of important files.
- The journalist filed her copy just before the deadline.
- The painting is a remarkable copy of the original masterpiece.
- This new smartphone model is just a copy of its main rival.
- The lawyer submitted a certified copy of the birth certificate as evidence.
- The viral trend was quickly copied by brands worldwide, diluting its impact.
- His writing style is so distinctive that it defies copying.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'COPY machine' making an identical 'CO-PY' (co-pie) – you and a friend share an identical pie.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE DUPLICATED (e.g., 'copy an idea'); BEHAVIOUR IS A TEXT THAT CAN BE IMITATED (e.g., 'copy someone's style').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'копить' (to save/accumulate).
- В русском 'копия' часто относится к документу, в английском 'copy' шире (текст, файл, поведение).
- Глагол 'to copy' не всегда негативный (в отличие от 'списывать'), может быть нейтральным 'копировать файл'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'copy' as an uncountable noun (*I need copy of this). Correct: 'I need a copy of this.'
- Confusing 'copy' with 'coffee' in pronunciation.
- Incorrect verb pattern: *'Copy to me the file.' Correct: 'Copy the file to me.' or 'Send me a copy of the file.'
Practice
Quiz
In publishing, what does 'copy' specifically refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Copy' implies a duplicate or reproduction of an original. 'Version' implies a different form or edition of something, which may have modifications. A 'copy' of a document should be identical; a 'version' of a document may have changes.
Yes, 'copy' is a countable noun. You can have one copy, two copies, several copies.
A 'hard copy' is a physical printout of a digital document (on paper). It contrasts with a 'soft copy' or 'digital copy' which exists only electronically.
Yes, but attributively (before a noun) in specific contexts, e.g., 'copy paper', 'copy editor', 'copy machine'. It is not used predicatively (*'This paper is copy').
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