diff --git a/library/files/copy b/library/files/copy
index 0a5fa699d03..3c2a5da16aa 100644
--- a/library/files/copy
+++ b/library/files/copy
@@ -79,8 +79,9 @@ options:
     version_added: "1.2"
   directory_mode:
     description:
-      - When doing a recursive copy set the mode for the directories. If this is not set we will default the system
-        defaults.
+      - When doing a recursive copy set the mode for the directories. If this is not set we will use the system
+        defaults. The mode is only set on directories which are newly created, and will not affect those that
+        already existed.
     required: false
     version_added: "1.5"
 extends_documentation_fragment: files