[Grammar] "they " should be "it" ?

[ottawasenator]

Hi all,

Here is the sentence:

-You'll see a copy before they're printed.

It indicates they're but nothing is plural before the in information about "they're".
It should be "it's" which replaces a copy.
Is this sentence correct or not?

Thank you for your time.

 

[probus]

The sentence is correct.

"You'll see a copy before they're printed" means that you can see it quicker online,

 

[MikeNewYork]

I'd like to see more context. As this is written, "before it's printed" may be correct.

 

[Roman55]

I am not a teacher.

I agree. It could be either.

If it's a publication of some sort, or a print job with multiple copies, then it would obviously be plural.

There is a slight logical inconsistency if it's singular, though. If there is only one example of 'it' then how can there be a copy for you to see? Perhaps we're talking about seeing a proof or galley proof of it.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I assumed it could refer to a digital copy. One scans the document. There is a digital copy. Then it is printed.

 

[ottawasenator]

Hi MikeNewYork,

There isn't any other context. It consists of only one sentence.
That's why I got confused about "they're."

Thank you for your time.

 

[Tdol]

It indicates they're but nothing is plural before the in information about "they're".

I don't think this matters- it depends on how many copies are printed IMO. I agree with Mike that an electornic copy works in the singular, but if the print 500 hard copies, then the plural works for me- you only see one, but they print many.