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Prepositions with nouns

Prepositions used with copy

Copy is commonly used with of, for, and in depending on the meaning. Per copy appears in pricing. Copy with is less common and usually introduces extra details rather than a fixed pattern.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are correct with copy?

Use copy of for duplicates or versions of documents, copy for to show the intended recipient or purpose, and in copy in publishing or advertising contexts. Per copy is used for prices or rates. Copy with is possible when with introduces additional features, not as a fixed expression.

Please send me a copy of the report.
I left a copy for the manager.
The editor requested changes in the copy.
The booklet costs $5 per copy.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
copy of + document/item

Referring to a duplicate or version

Use of to identify the original document, file, or text.

She printed a copy of the contract.
I found a copy of the email.
2
copy for + person/purpose

Showing who receives the copy

Use for to show the intended person or use.

There is a copy for each participant.
He prepared a copy for the archives.
3
in copy

Language used in publishing and advertising

In copy refers to the text used in advertisements, publishing, or editing.

There was an error in the copy.
The slogan appeared twice in the copy.
4
per copy

Prices and rates

Use per copy to state the cost or quantity for each individual copy.

The printer charges two dollars per copy.
The fee is calculated per copy.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
copy of
Please keep a copy of the receipt.
Standard phrase for a duplicate or version of something.
copy for
I made a copy for the client.
Shows the recipient or purpose of the copy.
copy in
There was a spelling mistake in the copy.
In refers to the text itself, especially in publishing or advertising.
copy with
She submitted a copy with handwritten notes.
With introduces an added feature or accompaniment, not a fixed pattern.
per copy
The charge is calculated per copy.
Used for rates, pricing, or quantities.
copy of with
He sent a copy of the form with a cover letter.
Of identifies the document; with adds accompanying information.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using copy for to name the original document

Use copy of when identifying what was copied.

✕ Please send a copy for the invoice. ✓ Please send a copy of the invoice.

Confusing in the copy with on the copy

In the copy refers to the wording or text itself.

✕ There is an error on the copy. ✓ There is an error in the copy.

Treating copy with as a fixed expression

With usually adds extra details rather than forming a standard pattern.

✕ I need a copy with the report. ✓ I need a copy of the report.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Could you email me a copy ___ the schedule?
2. The printing company charges ten cents ___ copy.
3. The editor found several mistakes ___ the copy.

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Frequently asked questions

What does copy of mean?

It refers to a duplicate, version, or reproduction of a document, file, or text.

Is per copy formal English?

Yes. It is common in pricing, printing, and business contexts.

Can I use copy with after a noun?

Yes, but with usually adds extra information, such as copy with notes or copy with corrections.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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