Can I say "model myself on someone"?

Yes, it means you are copying or taking inspiration from that person.

Is "model after" the same as "model on"?

They are similar, but "model on" is more formal and common in British English.

Can "model sb on sb" be used for objects or only people?

It is mainly used for people, but it can apply to behaviors, styles, or systems inspired by others.

Is "model sb on sb" separable?

No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb.

What level of English is "model sb on sb"?

It is generally considered upper-intermediate (B2) level.

Model sb on sb Meaning Examples How to Use the Phrase

What Does “Model sb on sb” Mean?

“Model sb on sb” means to imitate or base someone’s behavior, style, or actions on another person. It involves using someone as a pattern or example to follow.

Introduction

The phrase “model sb on sb” is commonly used when someone copies or takes inspiration from another person’s way of doing things. This can refer to behavior, personality traits, work style, or even appearance. The model sb on sb meaning is all about learning by example and shaping oneself after someone admired or respected. It is often used in professional and personal contexts, such as a teacher modeling their teaching style on a famous educator, or a child modeling their manners on their parents. Understanding how to use this phrase correctly helps in expressing influence and imitation clearly in English.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: model sb on sb (model somebody on somebody)
Type: Transitive
Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
Short meaning: To copy or base someone’s behavior or style on another person

Structure (Grammar Rules)

The phrase “model sb on sb” is inseparable, meaning you cannot put any words between “model” and “on.” The structure follows this pattern:

Subject + model + somebody + on + somebody
Example: She models her leadership style on her mentor.

Because it is transitive, it always requires an object (the person being modeled) and the person they are modeled on.

How to Use “Model sb on sb”?

Use “model sb on sb” when you want to say that one person copies or takes inspiration from another person’s qualities or actions. It is often used in formal or semi-formal contexts.

For example, if a company wants its employees to act like a successful team, you could say the company models its staff on a leading competitor. It highlights the process of imitation or adaptation based on a role model.

Examples

Here are some natural sentences using “model sb on sb in a sentence”:

Our new manager models his approach on the CEO’s proven strategies.
The school models its curriculum on the best education systems worldwide.
She modeled her writing style on her favorite author’s clear and simple prose.
Many athletes model their training routines on professional champions.
The company modeled its customer service on a highly successful rival.

Common Mistakes

People often confuse “model sb on sb” with similar phrases or use incorrect word order. Here are some examples:

Incorrect: She models on her mentor her leadership style.
Correct: She models her leadership style on her mentor.
Incorrect: They model themselves after the best players.
Correct: They model themselves on the best players.

Remember, the phrase is always “model sb on sb,” not “model sb after sb,” although “model after” is a related phrase with a similar meaning.

Differences / Synonyms

“Model sb on sb” is similar to “model after sb,” but there are subtle differences. Both mean to imitate someone, but “model after” is more common in American English and can feel less formal.

Other synonyms include “imitate,” “copy,” or “follow.” However, “model sb on sb” specifically implies a deliberate choice to base behavior or style on another person’s example, often in professional or educational contexts.

Common Collocations

When using “model sb on sb,” certain objects are commonly used to show what is being modeled:

Leadership style: copying how someone leads
Behavior: adopting manners or habits
Training: following another’s exercise routine
Work ethic: basing one’s professionalism on a role model
Writing style: imitating a particular author’s way of writing

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of model sb on sb:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation that shows how “model sb on sb” can be used naturally:

Anna: I really like how your team works together. How did you develop that?

Ben: We actually modeled our teamwork on a successful company we studied last year.

Anna: That’s smart! Learning from the best is always a good idea.

Practice

Try filling in the blanks with the correct form of the phrase:

The new CEO _______ her management style _______ a famous industry leader.
Many students _______ their study habits _______ top performers.
Our training program is _______ the methods used by Olympic athletes.

FAQs

Q: Can I say “model myself on someone”?
A: Yes, it means you are copying or taking inspiration from that person.
Q: Is “model after” the same as “model on”?
A: They are similar, but “model on” is more formal and common in British English.
Q: Can “model sb on sb” be used for objects or only people?
A: It is mainly used for people, but it can apply to behaviors, styles, or systems inspired by others.
Q: Is “model sb on sb” separable?
A: No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb.
Q: What level of English is “model sb on sb”?
A: It is generally considered upper-intermediate (B2) level.