Imitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Imitation" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the act of copying or mimicking something. For example, "Her painting is an imitation of the famous artist's style." Alternative expressions include "copy," "replica," and "mimicry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts & Design

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Too often, however, Kerrynomics, at least at this early stage, seems a pale imitation of Mr Clinton's centrist creed.Take trade and manufacturing jobs.

The Economist

The agonies of Kenneth Branagh's failed imitation in Celebrity?

BBC

Today, Labor's free market policies seem more-or-less identical to those presented by the Liberals – and, as a result, Bill Shorten appears a colourless imitation of those he ostensibly opposes.

The Guardian - Opinion

With her blonde hair styled in ringlets in imitation of the silent film star Mary Pickford, she was signed by Educational Pictures to appear in a series of one-reelers called Baby Burlesks, imitating films by Marlene Dietrich and other stars.

The Guardian - Film

It came after an intervention by supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameni, who criticised the previous policy as an imitation of western lifestyle.

The Guardian

Instead of flying to Spain for the Pamplona bull-running fiesta (made famous by Hemingway's novel), many opt for a local imitation.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Recently, there has been criticism of this year's Oscar hopeful The Imitation Game for its dubious portrayal of computing pioneer and war hero Alan Turing.

The Guardian - Film

The Imitation Game, about Alan Turing's time as a Bletchley Park codebreaker, scored nods for Benedict Cumberbatch's lead performance and Keira Knightley's supporting, as well as best picture, best director, best adapted screenplay, best editing, best production design and best music.

The Guardian - Film

And I am still uneasy about the outright inventions in The Imitation Game, particularly its fantasy about Turing's supposed connection with the "fifth man" John Cairncross.

The Guardian - Film

Sections of the British media have presented this year's best-actor race as a battle between Theory's Eddie Redmayne and The Imitation Game's Benedict Cumberbatch.

The Guardian - Film

Cumberbatch's "star shines brightest", according to the list, with the actor tipped for Oscar glory for his role as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair it with adjectives like "pale", "slavish" or "poor" to add a critical nuance regarding the quality of the copy.

Common error

Writers often use "Imitation" as a synonym for stealing ideas. While it refers to copying, it does not always imply the same ethical or legal violation as "plagiarism" or "infringement".

Linguistic Context

"Imitation" primarily functions as a noun in English. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe the act of copying, a result of such an act, or a material designed to look like something else. The term can carry various connotations, from neutral or artistic to pejorative when implying a lack of originality or authenticity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Arts & Design

10%

Politics

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Social Media

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "Imitation" is a versatile and widely used noun that describes anything from an artistic homage to a fraudulent copy. Data from Ludwig AI shows that it is a staple in high-level journalistic writing, particularly within the realms of political critique and art history. While it can be used neutrally as a descriptor for materials, it often carries a evaluative weight in intellectual discussions. By following the examples and guidance provided by Ludwig, writers can effectively navigate the nuances between a simple "Imitation" and more complex concepts like "emulation" or "forgery".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

copy

refers to a simple and direct duplicate of an original

replica

implies an exact and often high-quality reproduction of an object

mimicry

focuses on the act of copying behavior or biological traits

reproduction

often used in fine arts for copies made of a masterpiece

emulation

suggests copying to match or surpass a specific standard

simulation

represents an imitation of a situation or a process

forgery

denotes a fraudulent and illegal attempt to copy something valuable

mockery

indicates an imitation intended to ridicule or satirize

counterfeit

specific to deceptive copies of currency or branded goods

impersonation

refers specifically to the imitation of a person's identity

FAQs

How to use "Imitation" in a sentence?

You can use it as a noun to describe a copy, such as "His style is a clever "Imitation" of the classics," or as an adjective, for instance, "She wore a jacket made of "imitation leather"".

What can I say instead of "Imitation"?

Depending on your intent, you can use alternatives like "copy", "replica", or "mimicry".

What is the difference between "Imitation" and "copy"?

While an "Imitation" often suggests the act of mimicking a style or a specific quality, a "copy" is generally seen as an identical reproduction of the entire object.

Is "Imitation" always a negative word?

No, it is not always negative. In many contexts, such as learning or art, it is viewed as an homage or a necessary step in developing skill, often referenced in the proverb "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".