What Does “Model sth after sb” Mean?
“Model sth after sb” means to create or design something by copying or taking inspiration from someone else’s example or style.
Introduction
The phrase “Model sth after sb” is a common English expression used to describe the act of imitating or basing something on another person’s behavior, style, or work. The “sth” stands for “something,” and “sb” stands for “somebody.” For example, you might model your business after a successful company or model your artwork after a famous painter. Understanding the “Model sth after sb” meaning helps learners use this phrase naturally in conversations and writing. It often suggests respect or admiration for the original person, showing that their way of doing things is worth copying.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Model sth after sb (Model something after somebody)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To copy or base something on someone else’s example
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Model sth after sb” is a transitive phrasal verb and is separable. This means you can place the object (“something”) between “model” and “after,” or after “after.” Here are the common patterns:
- Model something after somebody
- Model sth after sb
Example: She modeled her speech after her mentor’s style.
How to Use “Model sth after sb”?
Use this phrase when you want to say that something is created or done by copying or following the example of another person. It can refer to many things such as ideas, projects, behavior, or styles. It is often used in formal and informal contexts.
For example, a company might model its customer service after a market leader, or a student might model their study habits after a successful classmate.
Examples
To understand how to use “Model sth after sb in a sentence,” consider these examples:
- The new smartphone was modeled after the latest design from a popular brand.
- He modeled his teaching methods after his favorite professor.
- Our marketing campaign is modeled after a successful one used last year.
- She modeled her career path after her older sister.
- The architect modeled the building after ancient Greek temples.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the word order or use the phrase incorrectly. Here are some examples showing mistakes and corrections:
- Incorrect: She modeled after her mentor her presentation.
Correct: She modeled her presentation after her mentor. - Incorrect: We modeled after the company our business plan.
Correct: We modeled our business plan after the company.
Remember, the object (“something”) comes before “after somebody.”
Differences / Synonyms
“Model sth after sb” is similar to phrases like “copy,” “imitate,” or “pattern after,” but it usually implies a positive intention of learning or improving by following a good example.
- Copy: Can sound negative or neutral, meaning to duplicate exactly without changes.
- Imitate: Often refers to mimicking behavior, sometimes without permission.
- Pattern after: Almost the same meaning but less common in modern English.
Using “model sth after sb” suggests a thoughtful and purposeful way of following someone’s example.
Common Collocations
Here are some common objects and phrases used with “model sth after sb”:
- Model a business after sb: To base a company on another’s successful business.
- Model a plan after sb: To design a strategy inspired by another’s plan.
- Model behavior after sb: To copy the way someone acts.
- Model a project after sb: To create a project following another’s example.
- Model a design after sb: To base a design on someone else’s work.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of model sth after sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a simple conversation using “model sth after sb”:
Anna: I’m trying to improve my presentation skills.
Ben: Why don’t you model your style after Sarah? She’s really good at public speaking.
Anna: That’s a great idea! I’ll watch her next talk and practice.
Practice
Try to fill in the blanks with the correct form of “model sth after sb”:
- We decided to ______ our new advertising campaign ______ the successful one from last year.
- He ______ his leadership style ______ his former boss.
- The artist ______ his painting ______ famous Renaissance artists.
FAQs
- Q: Can “model sth after sb” be used in formal writing?
Yes, it is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Is “model sth after sb” separable?
Yes, you can place the object either before or after “after sb.” - Q: What is the difference between “model after” and “copy”?
“Model after” suggests learning from a good example, while “copy” can mean exact duplication. - Q: Can this phrase be used for people’s behavior?
Yes, it is often used to describe imitating someone’s behavior or style. - Q: Is “model sth after sb” commonly used in spoken English?
Yes, especially in discussions about learning or improving by example.
