What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plagiarize
Example
He was accused of plagiarizing his entire thesis. [plagiarizing: verb]
Example
Plagiarism is a serious offense in academic writing. [plagiarism: noun]
copy
Example
Can you make a copy of this document for me? [copy: noun]
Example
She copied the painting perfectly. [copied: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Copy is more commonly used than plagiarize in everyday language. Copy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while plagiarize is less common and is typically used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plagiarize and copy?
Plagiarize is typically associated with a formal and serious tone due to its association with academic dishonesty, while copy can be used in both formal and informal contexts.