What is photocopy? Pronunciation and usage in English

photocopy means . Learn how to pronounce and use photocopy through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of photocopy

photocopynoun

/ˈfəʊtə(ʊ)ˌkɒpi/
Definition & pronunciation of photocopy

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "photocopy" correctly. It's a tricky one for many people! Here's a breakdown:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Most Accurate):

  • fo-toh- (rhymes with "toe")
  • -ko- (like "co")
  • -pi (like "pee")

2. Syllable Breakdown & Pronunciation:

  • Photo-: This part is key. It's pronounced like "foh-toe" – emphasis on the “foh.” Think of saying “photo” and adding a little extra "toe" at the end.
  • -copy: This is straightforward. "Co-pee."

3. Putting it Together:

So, you’d say it like: foh-toh-co-pee

4. Common Mispronunciations and How to Avoid Them:

  • "Fot-o-co-pi": This is a very common mistake. Don’t stress each syllable individually. The rhythm is important.
  • "Foh-toh-ca-pi": The "co" sound is crucial.

Resources to help you hear it:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Regional accents can sometimes affect pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word photocopy in English

Let's break down how to use the word "photocopy" correctly in English.

What it means:

"Photocopy" (or sometimes just "copy") refers to the process of making a duplicate of a document or image using a photocopier (also known as a copier). It's essentially a mechanical or digital reproduction.

How to use it in sentences:

Here are various ways to incorporate "photocopy" into your sentences, with examples:

  1. Simple Statement:

    • “I need to photocopy these pages for my professor.”
    • “Could you photocopy this report for me?”

  2. Describing the Action:

    • “He went to the copy room to photocopy the documents.”
    • “She asked me to photocopy the letter.”
    • “I’m going to photocopy all three drafts.”

  3. Referring to the Result (the copy):

    • “I received a photocopy of the contract.”
    • “Please check the photocopy to make sure it’s accurate.”
    • “The photocopy wasn't very clear.”

  4. Figurative Use (Less Common - often outdated): You might occasionally hear it used figuratively to mean “duplicate” or “reproduce,” but this is less common now.

    • “I need to photocopy this idea quickly.” (Meaning 'duplicate' the idea) - However, "duplicate" or "reproduce" is generally preferred.

Important Notes & Considerations:

  • Modern Usage: While "photocopy" is still understood, it’s considered somewhat dated, especially among younger people. Many people simply say "copy." “Copy” is the more common and generally accepted term today.

  • Digital Copies: When referring to digital copies (like scans or prints from a computer), you’re more likely to use “print” or “scan” rather than “photocopy.” For example: “I need to print out a copy of the report.” “I scanned the document and saved it as a PDF.”

  • Photocopier/Copier: "Photocopy" is intrinsically linked to the machine that makes the copies. You could say, “I need to use the photocopier.”

Here's a table summarizing the differences:

Term Meaning Common Usage
Photocopy Mechanical copy Still used, slightly dated
Copy General duplicate Most common now
Print Printed copy For printed documents
Scan Digital copy For digital documents

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you thinking of using "photocopy" in? (e.g., writing a story, giving instructions, a professional email?)

Synonyms for the word photocopy

Practice with vocabulary photocopy

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Could you please make a ______ of this document before you file it?
  2. I need to ______ these invoices and send them to accounting by the end of the day.
  3. The main office will ______ the final report on glossy paper for the board meeting.
  4. Before you submit your research paper, make sure to ______ all your data sources and attach them as an appendix.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following actions typically involve using a machine to duplicate paper documents? a) Laminate b) Annotate c) Photocopy d) Shred

  2. What term refers to a physical, paper copy made from an original document? a) A facsimile b) A digital image c) A photocopy d) A transcription

  3. Your manager asks you to provide a hard copy of your ID for an administrative process. What would be the most common and practical way to do this? a) Email a picture of it. b) Manually write down the details. c) Make a photocopy of it. d) Send the original ID by post.

  4. Which word best describes the process of converting a physical document into a digital file? a) Replicate b) Transcribe c) Scan d) Print

  5. In a professional email, if you want someone to send you a document digitally, which phrase is most appropriate? a) Please fax me the file. b) Please photocopy the document to me. c) Please email me the document. d) Please mail the physical document.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Could you please make a duplicate of this form for my records? (Use a verb form of "photocopy")
  2. The administrative assistant created multiple duplicate paper versions of the annual budget report. (Use a noun form of "photocopy")
  3. We transferred all the physical archives into digital format last year. (Use a suitable replacement word for "transferred... into digital format")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Could you please make a photocopy of this document before you file it?
  2. I need to photocopy these invoices and send them to accounting by the end of the day.
  3. The main office will print the final report on glossy paper for the board meeting.
  4. Before you submit your research paper, make sure to scan all your data sources and attach them as an appendix.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Photocopy
  2. a) A facsimile, c) A photocopy
  3. c) Make a photocopy of it.
  4. c) Scan
  5. c) Please email me the document.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Could you please photocopy this form for my records?
  2. The administrative assistant created multiple photocopies of the annual budget report.
  3. We digitized all the physical archives last year.

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