What Does “Model yourself on sb” Mean?
“Model yourself on sb” means to imitate or copy someone’s behavior, style, or qualities because you admire them.
Introduction
The phrase “Model yourself on sb” is commonly used when you want to express that you are trying to be like someone you respect or admire. It is a way of saying that you follow the example set by another person. The phrase is often used in everyday conversations and writing when discussing role models or people who inspire us. Understanding the model yourself on sb meaning helps you use this expression correctly in various contexts, whether personal, professional, or educational.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Model yourself on somebody
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Meaning: To imitate or copy someone’s behavior or qualities
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Model yourself on sb” is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot split it by placing words between the parts. The structure usually follows this pattern:
- Model yourself on + somebody (object)
- Example: She models herself on her older sister.
You always use a reflexive pronoun (yourself) and “on” followed by the person you want to imitate.
How to Use “Model yourself on sb”?
Use this phrase when you want to describe how someone is copying or following another person’s example. It is often used in positive contexts, showing admiration. You can use it in formal and informal situations, such as talking about role models, mentors, or people you respect.
Examples
Here are some examples to help you understand how to use “Model yourself on sb in a sentence”:
- John models himself on his father, who is a hardworking and honest man.
- Many young athletes model themselves on famous sports stars.
- She decided to model herself on her teacher because of her excellent skills.
- If you want to improve your leadership skills, try to model yourself on great leaders.
- He models himself on his mentor, hoping to achieve similar success.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse this phrase with similar expressions or make errors in the structure. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: I model myself after my brother.
Correct: I model myself on my brother. - Incorrect: She models on herself her mother’s habits.
Correct: She models herself on her mother’s habits.
Remember, the correct preposition is “on,” not “after,” and the reflexive pronoun “yourself” is necessary.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include “take after,” “follow,” and “imitate.” However, “model yourself on sb” specifically means to copy positive qualities or behavior intentionally.
- Take after: Usually means resembling a family member in appearance or character, not necessarily intentional imitation.
- Follow: Can mean to go behind someone or obey instructions; less about copying personality.
- Imitate: Means to copy, but “model yourself on sb” implies admiration and role modeling.
Common Collocations
Here are some common words used with “model yourself on sb” and their meanings:
- Leader: Model yourself on a leader to develop leadership skills.
- Mentor: Model yourself on a mentor for guidance in your career.
- Role model: Model yourself on a role model to improve your behavior.
- Parent: Children often model themselves on their parents.
- Teacher: Students may model themselves on teachers to learn good habits.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of model yourself on sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using the phrase:
Anna: I want to be successful in my job, but I’m not sure how.
Mike: Why don’t you model yourself on Sarah? She’s really good at managing projects.
Anna: That’s a great idea. I’ll observe how she works and learn from her.
Practice
Try to complete the sentence below:
“If you want to improve your communication skills, you should ________ your manager.”
- a) model yourself on
- b) model yourself at
- c) model yourself with
- d) model yourself for
Answer: a) model yourself on
FAQs
- Q: Can I use “model yourself on” for bad examples?
A: Usually, it is used for positive role models, but it can be used sarcastically for bad examples.
- Q: Is “model yourself after” correct?
A: The standard phrase is “model yourself on,” not “after.”
- Q: Can I use “model yourself on” in formal writing?
A: Yes, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
- Q: Do I always need to use “yourself”?
A: Yes, the phrase includes the reflexive pronoun “yourself.”
- Q: What is the difference between “model yourself on” and “imitate”?
A: “Model yourself on” implies admiration and role modeling, while “imitate” is more general copying.
