Model sth after sth Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Model sth after sth” Mean?

“Model sth after sth” means to design or create something based on another thing. It involves copying or imitating the style, structure, or features of something else.

Introduction

The phrase model sth after sth is commonly used when someone wants to create or improve something by using an existing example as a guide. The model sth after sth meaning highlights the idea of taking inspiration or copying the design, method, or behavior of another person, object, or idea. For example, a company might model its new product after a competitor’s successful design, or a student might model their essay after a well-written example. This phrase is useful in many contexts, from business and education to everyday life, helping learners understand how to describe the act of imitation or adaptation clearly.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: model something after something
• Type: transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: to copy or base something on another example

Structure (Grammar Rules)

The phrasal verb model sth after sth is transitive, meaning it requires an object after “model” and “after.” It is inseparable, so you cannot place the object between “model” and “after.”

Correct pattern: model + something + after + something

• She modeled her painting after a famous artist.
• They modeled the new building after traditional designs.

Incorrect: model after something something

How to Use “Model sth after sth”?

Use “model sth after sth” when you want to explain that one thing is created by copying or using another thing as an example. It is often used in business, design, writing, education, and everyday conversations to show influence or inspiration.

Make sure to include the object (the thing being modeled) and the object it is modeled after. The phrase emphasizes the connection between the original and the new creation.

Examples

Here are some natural sentences using “model sth after sth in a sentence”:

• The new smartphone was modeled after the latest Apple design.
• Our marketing campaign is modeled after successful strategies from last year.
• She modeled her speech after her mentor’s presentation style.
• The architect modeled the house after traditional Japanese homes.
• Many startups model their business plans after well-known companies.

Common Mistakes

People often confuse the word order or use the phrase without the correct objects. Here are some examples:

• Incorrect: They modeled after the new design their product.
• Correct: They modeled their product after the new design.
• Incorrect: She modeled the painting on a famous artist.
• Correct: She modeled the painting after a famous artist.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrases include “copy,” “imitate,” and “pattern after.” However, “model sth after sth” usually implies a thoughtful or intentional design choice rather than simple copying.

For example, “copy” can mean exact duplication, while “model after” suggests adapting or improving based on the original. “Pattern after” is less common but means very similar to “model after.”

Common Collocations

Here are some common objects used with “model sth after sth”:

• Model a product after a competitor – to design a product inspired by a rival’s.
• Model a business after a successful company – to base a business plan on a proven example.
• Model a speech after a famous speaker – to imitate a style of speaking.
• Model a building after traditional architecture – to copy design elements from a style.
• Model a project after previous work – to use earlier projects as a guide.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of model sth after sth:

• Model Sth Upon Sb
• Model Sb On Sth
• Model Sb On Sb
• Model Sb Upon Sb
• Model Sth After Sb

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “model sth after sth”:

Anna: We need a new website design for our company.

Ben: Why don’t we model it after the site our competitor launched? It looks modern and user-friendly.

Anna: Great idea! Let’s take inspiration from their layout but add our own style.

Practice

Choose the correct option to complete the sentence:

They decided to ______ their new product ______ a popular brand.

• a) model / after
• b) model / on
• c) copy / after
• d) pattern / on

Answer: a) model / after

FAQs

• What does “model sth after sth” mean? It means to design or create something based on another example.
• Is “model sth after sth” separable? No, it is inseparable. You cannot separate “model” and “after” with the object.
• Can I say “model sth on sth”? “Model sth on sth” is less common and not standard in modern English; “model after” is preferred.
• What is the difference between “model after” and “copy”? “Model after” suggests adapting or improving based on an example, while “copy” means exact duplication.
• Can “model sth after sth” be used in speaking? Yes, it is commonly used in both spoken and written English.