Can I use "model sth on sb" instead of "model sth upon sb"?

Yes, "model sth on sb" is more informal but means the same.

Is "model sth upon sb" formal or informal?

It is generally more formal and used in writing or formal speech.

Can "model sth upon sb" be used for objects and ideas?

Yes, it can refer to plans, styles, behaviors, or objects.

Is "model sth upon sb" separable?

Yes, you can place the object between "model" and "upon."

What’s the difference between "model upon" and "imitate"?

"Model upon" implies thoughtful copying, while "imitate" can be direct copying.

Model sth upon sb Meaning / Examples / How to Use

Apr 30, 2025

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by

Michael Carter

in English Phrasal Verbs

What Does “Model sth upon sb” Mean?

“Model sth upon sb” means to base something on another person’s example or style. It implies using someone as a pattern to create or shape something.

Introduction

The phrase “Model sth upon sb” is a useful English expression often used to describe the act of copying or following someone’s example. When we say we “model something upon somebody,” we mean that we create or design something by using that person’s behavior, style, or method as a guide. This phrase is common in both formal and informal contexts, especially when talking about learning, creativity, or leadership. Understanding the “Model sth upon sb meaning” helps learners use it correctly to express influence or inspiration from others in their speech or writing.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: Model sth upon sb (model something upon somebody)
Type: Transitive
Level: B2
Short meaning: To base something on someone’s example or style

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Model sth upon sb” is a separable phrasal verb, meaning you can place the object (something) between “model” and “upon.” For example:

Model a plan upon her success.
Model upon her success a plan.

The basic pattern is:

Model + something (sth) + upon + somebody (sb)

How to Use “Model sth upon sb”?

You use this phrase when you want to express that an idea, behavior, style, or object is created by following someone else’s example. It is often used in contexts like business, education, art, or personal development. For example, you might say a new policy is modeled upon a successful one in another company.

Examples

Here are some natural sentences using “Model sth upon sb”:

The new curriculum was modeled upon the one used in Finland.
She modeled her leadership style upon her mentor’s approach.
The design of the building was modeled upon classical Greek architecture.
Our marketing strategy is modeled upon that of our most successful competitor.
He modeled his speech upon the inspiring words of the previous speaker.

These examples show how the phrase connects an object (curriculum, style, design) to a person or source used as a model.

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse “model sth upon sb” with other similar expressions. Here are some common errors and corrections:

Incorrect: She modeled upon her mentor a new style.
Correct: She modeled her new style upon her mentor.
Incorrect: We modeled our plan to them.
Correct: We modeled our plan upon them.
Incorrect: Model sth on sb (less formal but different meaning) used wrongly as model sth upon sb.

Remember, “model sth upon sb” requires the preposition “upon,” not “on,” for correct formal usage.

Differences / Synonyms

It’s easy to mix “model sth upon sb” with similar phrases like “model sth on sb.” Both mean to copy or base something on someone else, but “upon” is more formal and traditional, while “on” is more common in informal speech.

Other synonyms include:

Imitate: To copy someone’s behavior or style, usually directly.
Follow: To act according to someone’s example.
Pattern after: To take someone as a pattern or model.

The key difference is that “model sth upon sb” often implies a thoughtful or planned imitation, not just copying.

Common Collocations

Here are some common objects used with “model sth upon sb” and their meanings:

Model a plan upon sb: Create a plan based on someone’s example.
Model your behavior upon sb: Copy someone’s way of acting.
Model a system upon sb: Design a system based on another’s.
Model a policy upon sb: Develop a policy inspired by someone else’s.
Model a project upon sb: Base a project on the work of another person.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of model sth upon sb:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “model sth upon sb”:

Anna: How did you come up with this new training program?

Ben: I modeled it upon the program used by the top company in our industry.

Anna: That sounds smart. It’s good to learn from the best.

Practice

Choose the correct sentence:

A) We modeled our new strategy on the leader’s approach.
B) We modeled our new strategy upon the leader’s approach.
C) We modeled upon the leader’s approach our new strategy.

Answer: B) We modeled our new strategy upon the leader’s approach.

FAQs

Q: Can I use “model sth on sb” instead of “model sth upon sb”?
A: Yes, “model sth on sb” is more informal but means the same.
Q: Is “model sth upon sb” formal or informal?
A: It is generally more formal and used in writing or formal speech.
Q: Can “model sth upon sb” be used for objects and ideas?
A: Yes, it can refer to plans, styles, behaviors, or objects.
Q: Is “model sth upon sb” separable?
A: Yes, you can place the object between “model” and “upon.”
Q: What’s the difference between “model upon” and “imitate”?
A: “Model upon” implies thoughtful copying, while “imitate” can be direct copying.