In the digital age, where communication is mostly done through email, it is crucial to use the right abbreviations and spellings. One such abbreviation that is commonly used in emails is CC, which stands for “carbon copy.” However, the spelling of CC in its past tense form has been a topic of confusion for many people. Is it CC’d or CC’ed? Let’s explore the origin of CC and its correct usage.
Origin of CC
The term “carbon copy” has its roots in the pre-digital era when typewriters were used to create documents. In those days, carbon paper was used to create duplicates of a document. The carbon paper was placed between the original document and a blank sheet of paper, and when the typewriter keys were pressed, the ink would transfer from the keys to the original document, as well as the blank sheet below it, creating a duplicate copy.
Later, when email became the preferred mode of communication, the term “carbon copy” was adopted to refer to the practice of sending a copy of an email to someone other than the main recipient. This practice was useful for keeping people in the loop, even if they were not the primary recipient of the email.
Is It CC’d or CC’ed
The correct past tense form of CC is CC’d. The abbreviation CC is not a verb, and therefore, does not require conjugation. CC’d is simply an abbreviation for “carbon copied.” The apostrophe in CC’ed is unnecessary and incorrect.
It is essential to use the correct form of CC in professional communication. Using incorrect spellings can create a poor impression on the recipient and undermine the writer’s credibility.
When to Use CC in Emails
CC is used when the writer wants to keep someone in the loop about the contents of an email, but they are not the primary recipient of the message. This can include a manager or a team member who is not directly involved in the email’s primary purpose but should be aware of its contents.
It is important to use CC judiciously, as receiving too many unnecessary emails can be overwhelming and counterproductive. The use of CC should be limited to those who need to know, and the writer should ensure that the recipient understands why they have been CC’d on the email.
Expert Opinion
According to Sharon Schweitzer, a cross-cultural consultant and etiquette expert, “CC’ing is not only a common courtesy in business emails, but it is also a tool for demonstrating professionalism, trustworthiness, and inclusivity. It can also help prevent misunderstandings and miscommunications that could be detrimental to your business relationships and career.”
The correct past tense form of CC is CC’d, and the apostrophe in CC’ed is incorrect. CC should be used judiciously to keep the right people in the loop without overwhelming them with unnecessary emails. Using CC correctly can demonstrate professionalism, trustworthiness, and inclusivity and help prevent misunderstandings and miscommunications.
Debate In Using CC’d or CC’ed
The use of CC in emails is commonplace in today’s digital age. However, the correct spelling of the abbreviation’s past tense form is still a topic of debate. Some people prefer to use CC’d, while others believe that CC’ed is the correct form. Let’s explore the arguments for both sides of the debate.
Those who argue for CC’d believe that it is the correct form because CC is an abbreviation and, therefore, does not need an apostrophe. The apostrophe is seen as an unnecessary addition that does not add any value to the abbreviation.
On the other hand, supporters of CC’ed believe that the apostrophe is necessary to show that the word is a contraction of two words, “carbon” and “copied.” They argue that without the apostrophe, the word loses its meaning and becomes harder to read.
Using CC’d or CC’ed In A Sentence
When using the abbreviation CC in its past tense form, the correct spelling is CC’d. CC’d is simply an abbreviation for “carbon copied” and does not require an apostrophe.
Examples of CC’d And CC’ed
Here are some examples of how to use CC’d and CC’ed in a sentence:
Example 1: I CC’d my manager on the email to keep her in the loop. Example 2: She CC’d her assistant on the email, so he would be aware of the new project.
In both examples, CC’d is used correctly as the past tense form of the abbreviation CC. The apostrophe in CC’ed is unnecessary and incorrect.
According to Grammarly, an online writing assistant, “CC’d is the correct way to write the past tense of the verb ‘carbon copy.’ CC’ed is incorrect because the abbreviation CC is not a verb, and therefore, it cannot be conjugated.”
Other Ways To Use CC In Past Tense
CC or carbon copy is a common abbreviation used in email communication. The abbreviation CC stands for “carbon copy,” which means making a copy of an email and sending it to someone else. The past tense of the abbreviation CC is CC’d, but there are other ways to use CC in past tense as well. Let’s explore other ways to use CC in past tense.
- Cc’d
As discussed earlier, CC’d is the correct and most commonly used form of the past tense of CC. It simply means that you copied someone else on an email.
Example: She CC’d her supervisor on the email so that he would be aware of the upcoming meeting.
- Bcc’d
BCC or blind carbon copy is another common abbreviation used in email communication. The abbreviation BCC stands for “blind carbon copy,” which means making a copy of an email and sending it to someone else without revealing their identity to the other recipients of the email. The past tense of BCC is BCC’d.
Example: The manager BCC’d the HR department on the email to keep them informed about the changes made in the company policy.
- CC’d In
Sometimes, we use CC in the past tense as CC’d in, which means that someone else was copied on an email for a specific reason.
Example: She CC’d in the legal department on the email to ensure that all the legal requirements were met.
- CC’d On
Another way to use CC in past tense is CC’d on, which means that someone else was copied on an email to keep them informed.
Example: The sales team was CC’d on the email to keep them updated about the upcoming product launch.
According to The Chicago Manual of Style, “CC’d is the correct form of the past tense of CC, but it can also be used as CC’d in, CC’d on, or BCC’d.”
The correct form of the past tense of CC is CC’d. However, there are other ways to use CC in past tense, such as CC’d in, CC’d on, or BCC’d. It is important to use the correct form of the past tense of CC or any other abbreviation in professional communication to ensure clarity and maintain professionalism.