I imitated it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I imitated it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an action where you copied or mimicked something, whether it's behavior, style, or an object. Example: "In my art class, I imitated it by replicating the techniques used by the famous painter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(She never wore an apron, which I found intrepid. I imitated it, ended up with my white coat stained, but gritted my teeth, determined to stay clean).

The New Yorker

Inspirations and influences: Rubens, who saw Mantegna's work in Mantua before it was sold to Charles I, imitated it in his Roman Triumph in the National Gallery in London.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

(In the year and a half I reported this story, I tried to figure out her secret and how I could imitate it, but I concluded she is just an entirely different — and more productive — kind of person.

The New York Times

I don't think I can imitate it, but there's a density to it that I think I'm always trying to push towards in English.

The Guardian - Books

And I began imitating it in my own little compositions, which were, perhaps, terrible — I don't know; none of them survived.

The New Yorker

I loved imitating it.

Huffington Post

And I imitated him.

The Guardian

Once I was reading music, I began to imitate it.

The Guardian - Music

I tried to imitate it.

Wikipedia

A budding poet, ehh???" "There's a guy here in LA who's written how I'm Bruce Springsteen … Now I have to spend half me interviews saying 'I'm not fooking Bruce Springsteen' and that I appreciate him but I don't try to imitate him; I take it as a compliment when we're compared, but I take it as an insult when it's said I imitate him.

The Guardian - Music

I was going to imitate it and transform it into something more English".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I imitated it" to describe a conscious effort to replicate a specific action, style, or method. Ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I imitated it" without clearly specifying what you are imitating. Ambiguity can confuse your readers. Always provide context to ensure the reference is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I imitated it" functions as a declarative statement where the speaker describes their action of copying or mimicking something. Ludwig confirms this is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I imitated it" is a straightforward way to describe the act of copying something. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and can be used in a variety of registers from informal to professional. When using this phrase, ensure the reference of "it" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "I copied it" or "I mimicked it" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I copied it

Emphasizes direct replication without necessarily implying skill or artistry.

I mimicked it

Suggests a closer, often more detailed or exaggerated replication.

I emulated it

Implies admiration and a desire to match the qualities of the original.

I replicated it

Focuses on creating an exact duplicate, often in a technical or scientific context.

I mirrored it

Suggests a direct, often visual, correspondence or reflection.

I simulated it

Indicates creating a model or representation to understand or replicate a process or system.

I aped it

Carries a negative connotation, suggesting clumsy or thoughtless imitation.

I followed its example

Highlights adherence to a model or precedent.

I took it as inspiration

Implies using something as a starting point for one's own creative work.

I patterned myself after it

Focuses on shaping one's behavior or style to resemble something else.

FAQs

What does "I imitated it" mean?

It means that you copied or mimicked something you observed or experienced. The "it" refers to a specific action, behavior, style, or object that you are replicating.

What can I say instead of "I imitated it"?

You can use alternatives like "I copied it", "I mimicked it", or "I emulated it" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I imitated on it"?

No, the correct phrase is "I imitated it". The preposition "on" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "I imitated it" and "I impersonated it"?

"I imitated it" generally refers to copying a style, action, or object, while "I impersonated it" typically refers to mimicking a person's mannerisms or voice, often for entertainment or deception. Impersonation is a specific type of imitation.