Many people get confused between cc’d or cc’ed when writing emails or discussing email etiquette. This confusion arises because both forms look correct at first glance. However, using the wrong form can make your writing look unprofessional, especially in formal emails or business communication.
The term “cc” comes from “carbon copy”, a practice from the days of typewriters when copies were made using carbon paper. Over time, “cc” became a standard feature in emails, allowing users to send a copy of a message to someone else without making them the primary recipient.
Understanding the correct way to write cc’d or cc’ed is important not just for grammar but also for maintaining clarity in communication. In this article, you’ll learn the correct usage, common mistakes, and tips to remember which form is right.
Quick Answer:
The correct form is “cc’d”, which is the contraction of “carbon copied” in emails. Some people mistakenly write “cc’ed”, but standard usage and grammar rules prefer cc’d to indicate that someone was copied on an email.
Meaning and Definition of Each Word
1. cc’d
- Definition: Short for “carbon copied”, used in emails to indicate someone has been copied on the message.
- Explanation: The apostrophe + d shows that it is a past action.
- Example Sentence:
I cc’d my manager on the email to keep her informed.
2. cc’ed
- Definition: An incorrect variation that some people use, intending the same meaning as cc’d.
- Explanation: Adding ’ed is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.
- Example Sentence:
Incorrect: I cc’ed my team on the project update.
Correct: I cc’d my team on the project update.
Key Differences Between the Words
- Correctness:
- cc’d ✅ – Correct and widely accepted.
- cc’ed ❌ – Incorrect and nonstandard.
- cc’d ✅ – Correct and widely accepted.
- Grammar Rule:
- Apostrophe + d is the proper contraction for past tense verbs.
- Adding ed after the apostrophe is redundant.
- Apostrophe + d is the proper contraction for past tense verbs.
- Usage in Emails:
- Always use cc’d when referring to someone being carbon copied.
- Always use cc’d when referring to someone being carbon copied.
- Professionalism:
- Using cc’d shows attention to standard writing conventions.
- Using cc’ed may look informal or incorrect.
- Using cc’d shows attention to standard writing conventions.
Comparison Table
| Word | Meaning | Usage | Example Sentence |
| cc’d | Carbon copied (past action) | Correct, standard | I cc’d my manager on the email. |
| cc’ed | Incorrect variation | Avoid in professional writing | Incorrect: I cc’ed my team on the update. |
Examples in Sentences
Correct Usage of cc’d:
- I cc’d our HR department on the announcement.
- She cc’d me on the client feedback email.
- They cc’d everyone involved in the project for transparency.
- Please ensure that you cc’d the finance team before sending the invoice.
Incorrect Usage of cc’ed:
- I cc’ed my supervisor on the memo. ❌
- He cc’ed the marketing team on the email. ❌
Common Mistakes
- Mistake 1: Writing cc’ed instead of cc’d.
- Incorrect: I cc’ed John on the report.
- Correct: I cc’d John on the report.
- Incorrect: I cc’ed John on the report.
- Mistake 2: Forgetting the apostrophe.
- Incorrect: I ccd Sarah on the message.
- Correct: I cc’d Sarah on the message.
- Incorrect: I ccd Sarah on the message.
- Mistake 3: Confusing cc with bcc.
- CC (carbon copy) – Recipients see each other.
- BCC (blind carbon copy) – Recipients are hidden from each other.
- CC (carbon copy) – Recipients see each other.
Tips to Remember the Difference
- Think of cc’d as a verb in the past tense: “I cc’d” = “I copied.”
- Apostrophe + d is enough; don’t add e.
- Pronounce it as “see-sid” when reading aloud to reinforce the correct form.
- If you are unsure, check your email’s copy function—most email clients automatically show “cc’d” in confirmations.
When to Use Each Word
- Use cc’d:
- When reporting who received a copy of your email.
- In formal and professional communication.
- In written documentation to indicate past actions.
- When reporting who received a copy of your email.
- Do not use cc’ed:
- Avoid in emails, business writing, or official documents.
- Only use it if you are writing informally and understand it is nonstandard.
- Avoid in emails, business writing, or official documents.
Grammar Rules
- The apostrophe + d forms the past tense of cc.
- Adding an extra e is grammatically unnecessary.
- Treat cc as a verb when conjugating:
- Present: I cc the manager.
- Past: I cc’d the manager.
- Future: I will cc the manager.
- Present: I cc the manager.
Synonyms or Related Words
- bcc’d – Blind carbon copied
- forwarded – Sending an email that was received
- copied – Informal alternative in writing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it cc’d or cc’ed?
- The correct form is cc’d. Cc’ed is incorrect.
2. Can I write CC instead of cc’d?
- Use CC in headings or labels, but use cc’d in past tense sentences.
3. How do you pronounce cc’d?
- Pronounced as “see-sid” or simply “cc-d.”
4. What does cc mean in emails?
- It stands for carbon copy, meaning someone receives a copy of an email.
5. Is it okay to use cc’ed in informal emails?
- While people might understand, it is better to stick to cc’d even in informal emails.
6. How is cc different from bcc?
- CC allows all recipients to see each other, while BCC hides recipients from each other.
Conclusion
The correct usage is cc’d, not cc’ed. Remembering this simple rule will improve your email etiquette and make your writing look professional. Whenever you want to indicate that someone was copied on an email, always use cc’d, and avoid adding extra letters or apostrophes. Clear, consistent usage helps you communicate more effectively and avoids common grammar mistakes.
