In communication, especially in places like the military, emergency services, or specific jobs, people often use the phrase “Do you copy?” It’s like asking, “Did you get what I said?” Knowing how to reply correctly is not just about manners; it’s important for clear and safe communication. In this article, we’ll look at 20 right ways how to respond to copy that.

20 Correct Responses To “Do You Copy?”

  1. “Loud and Clear”: This is a classic response, indicating that the message was received and understood perfectly. Scenario: A pilot confirms understanding a critical instruction from air traffic control during a turbulent flight.
  2. “Copy That”: A simple, effective acknowledgment that you’ve heard and understood the message. Scenario: A team member acknowledges instructions during a fast-paced project meeting over a conference call.
  3. “Roger”: A military-originated response that’s synonymous with “understood.” Scenario: A soldier confirms receiving an order during a covert military operation.
  4. “Affirmative”: This response is clear and unambiguous, indicating agreement or understanding. Scenario: A firefighter confirms the strategy relayed by the chief in an emergency situation.
  5. “Understood”: A straightforward, no-nonsense acknowledgment. Scenario: An event coordinator confirms the changes in schedule to the team over a walkie-talkie.
  6. “Acknowledged”: Similar to “Understood,” but with a slightly more formal tone. Scenario: A space mission control specialist confirms receiving data from an astronaut.
  7. “Received”: Indicates that the message was received, but not necessarily that it was understood. Scenario: A remote worker indicates they got the email details about a project but haven’t reviewed them yet.
  8. “10-4”: Common in CB (Citizens Band) radio lingo, this means acknowledgment. Scenario: A truck driver confirms understanding the dispatch instructions over a CB radio.
  9. “Go Ahead”: Used when you’re ready for the speaker to continue or give more information. Scenario: A police officer signals a fellow officer to continue with further details during a briefing.
  10. “I Read You”: Indicates that you can hear the speaker. Scenario: A sailor confirms hearing the captain’s orders over the ship’s intercom during a storm.
  11. “Say Again”: Used when you need the speaker to repeat the message. Scenario: A hiker asks for a repeat of directions over a radio while navigating a tricky trail.
  12. “No Joy”: A way to say that you didn’t understand or receive the message (primarily military use). Scenario: A pilot uses this to indicate failure in sighting a target or landmark.
  13. “Stand By”: Used when you’ve heard the message but need a moment before responding or acting. Scenario: An IT specialist asks for a moment before giving the solution to a technical issue during a support call.
  14. “Wilco”: Short for “will comply,” indicating that you not only understand but will also follow through. Scenario: A member of a search and rescue team acknowledges and agrees to follow new instructions.
  15. “Negative”: A way to say “no” or disagree with the message received. Scenario: A security guard denies access to a restricted area in response to a request over the radio.
  16. “Unable To Comply”: Used when you understand the message but are unable to follow the instructions. Scenario: A train conductor explains why they can’t speed up when requested due to safety protocols.
  17. “Read You Five By Five”: A phrase indicating perfect clarity; you understand the message loud and clear. Scenario: A drone operator confirms crystal-clear instructions from the control center during a surveillance mission.
  18. “Back To You”: Indicates that you’ve received and understood the message and are now returning communication back to the sender. Scenario: A radio show host finishes a segment and hands it back over to the producer.
  19. “On The Same Page”: A more informal way to say that you understand and are in agreement. Scenario: Team members during a virtual meeting acknowledge that everyone understands the project goals.
  20. “Message Understood, Proceeding Accordingly”: A formal response, indicating that you not only understand the message but are also taking the appropriate actions. Scenario: An emergency room nurse confirms understanding a doctor’s complex instructions during a critical procedure.

Wrap Up

Being able to understand and respond well to “Do you copy?” is very important in places where communication is important. Here, you’ll find different ways to reply, from being very formal to more relaxed, for various situations where clear and simple communication is needed. Each response has a specific job, making sure that both people talking understand each other and are on the same page.

Surya Deo