What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
triplicate
Example
Please fill out this form in triplicate and submit it to the office. [triplicate: noun]
Example
The accountant made triplicate copies of the receipts for the audit. [triplicate: adjective]
copy
Example
Can you make a copy of this report for me? [copy: noun]
Example
I need to copy these files onto a USB drive for safekeeping. [copy: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Copy is much more commonly used than triplicate in everyday language. Copy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while triplicate is more specific and formal, typically used in official or legal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between triplicate and copy?
Triplicate is more formal than copy, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Triplicate is often associated with official or bureaucratic language, while copy is more neutral and adaptable to different situations.