What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
transcribe
Example
I need to transcribe this interview for my research paper. [transcribe: verb]
Example
The secretary transcribed the meeting minutes onto her computer. [transcribed: past tense]
Example
He transcribed the melody of the song onto sheet music. [transcribing: present participle]
copy
Example
Can you make a copy of this report for me? [copy: noun]
Example
She copied the text from the website and pasted it into her document. [copied: past tense]
Example
He tried to copy the painting but couldn't quite get it right. [copying: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Copy is more commonly used than transcribe in everyday language. Copy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while transcribe is less common and typically used in more technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between transcribe and copy?
While transcribe is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone, copy can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in various formality levels.
