Cool MateCopy vs Do the same
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Copy
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Do the same
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Copy
| Copy | Do the same | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒpi/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːpi/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //duː ðə seɪm//🇺🇸 //du ðə seɪm// |
| Meaning | To make a duplicate of something. | Repeat what someone else did. |
| Example | I need to make a copy of this document for my records. | When he finishes his homework, you can do the same. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | accurate, faithful, good, create, make, print, machine, room, center, copy of, additional, extra, further, print, produce, circulate, circulate, be available, copy of, good, great, ad, edit, prepare, produce, editor, writer, deadline | do the same thing, do the same as, do the same action |
| Antonyms | destroy, erase, original | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Copy' is sometimes confused with 'paste'., Learners may use 'copy' instead of 'duplicate' in formal situations., Confusing the noun 'copy' with the verb form. | Confused with 'do the different' - which is incorrect., Using inappropriately in formal situations where more specific language is needed. |
| Usage notes | Used in academic contexts (like copying notes) and everyday situations (like copying a document). Avoid if referring to personal ideas as 'copies' may imply plagiarism. | Use this phrase when instructing someone to replicate an action. It's suitable in both casual and formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Copy vs Do the same
What's the difference between Copy and Do the same?
Copy: To make a duplicate of something. Do the same: Repeat what someone else did.
Which is more common: Copy and Do the same?
Copy is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Copy: I need to make a copy of this document for my records. Do the same: When he finishes his homework, you can do the same.
Can I use Copy and Do the same interchangeably?
Not always. Copy and Do the same are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.