What Does โModel yourself on sthโ Mean?
โModel yourself on sthโ means to imitate or copy someoneโs behavior, qualities, or example in order to improve yourself.
Introduction
The phrase โmodel yourself on sthโ is commonly used when you want to improve or develop by following the example of someone or something you admire. It means you try to be like that person or thing because they have qualities you respect or want to achieve. Understanding the โmodel yourself on sth meaningโ helps learners use this phrase naturally in conversations, writing, and formal speech. It is often used in situations where people look up to role models or want to develop good habits by copying successful examples.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: model yourself on something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to imitate or follow the example of someone or something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โModel yourself on sthโ is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot put any words between โmodel yourselfโ and โon.โ The structure is:
- Model yourself on + object (someone or something)
Examples:
- Model yourself on your favorite teacher.
- She models herself on successful entrepreneurs.
How to Use โModel yourself on sthโ?
Use โmodel yourself on sthโ when you want to express that you are copying or learning from a person or example. It is often used in advice, personal development, and motivational contexts. You can replace โsthโ with a person, group, or even a concept that represents a good example.
For example, if you admire someoneโs work ethic, you might say, โI try to model myself on my older brother because he is very hardworking.โ
Examples
When you want to improve your skills, it helps to model yourself on someone experienced.
- Many young athletes model themselves on famous sports stars.
- He models himself on his mentor to build his leadership skills.
- Teachers often encourage students to model themselves on great writers.
- She models herself on her motherโs kindness and patience.
- Model yourself on people who inspire you to grow.
Using โmodel yourself on sth in a sentenceโ shows how you follow or imitate a role model.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse โmodel yourself onโ with similar phrases or use it incorrectly.
- Incorrect: Model yourself after someone. (Though common in American English, the phrase โmodel yourself onโ is preferred in British English.)
- Correct: Model yourself on your favorite teacher.
- Incorrect: Model yourself from your mentor.
- Correct: Model yourself on your mentor.
Remember, always use โonโ after โmodel yourself.โ
Differences / Synonyms
Other phrases like โfollow someoneโs exampleโ or โimitate someoneโ are similar but have slight differences.
- โModel yourself onโ implies a conscious effort to copy positive qualities.
- โFollow someoneโs exampleโ is more general and can refer to any action.
- โImitateโ can sometimes sound negative, as it may suggest copying without understanding.
Therefore, โmodel yourself onโ is often used in positive and intentional contexts.
Common Collocations
Some common objects used with โmodel yourself onโ include people or groups admired for their qualities:
- Model yourself on a leader โ to copy leadership skills.
- Model yourself on a teacher โ to learn teaching methods or patience.
- Model yourself on a mentor โ to follow guidance and advice.
- Model yourself on a role model โ to imitate behavior or values.
- Model yourself on a successful person โ to copy habits that lead to success.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of model yourself on sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using the phrase โmodel yourself on sthโ:
Anna: I want to improve my presentation skills.
John: You should model yourself on Sarah. She always speaks confidently.
Anna: Thatโs a great idea. Iโll watch her talks and learn from her style.
Practice
Try to complete the sentence below by choosing the correct option:
To become a better writer, you should model yourself ______ your favorite author.
- a) on
- b) after
- c) from
Answer: a) on
FAQs
- Q: Can I say โmodel yourself after someoneโ instead of โonโ?
A: Yes, but โmodel yourself onโ is more common in British English. - Q: Is โmodel yourself onโ formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Can I use โmodel yourself onโ with things, not people?
A: Yes, you can model yourself on ideas, groups, or examples as well. - Q: Is it correct to say โmodel yourself on a bad exampleโ?
A: Usually not, as the phrase implies positive imitation. - Q: What is a synonym for โmodel yourself onโ?
A: โFollow the example ofโ or โimitateโ are similar expressions.
