can be imitated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be imitated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is capable of being copied or replicated by others. Example: "The unique style of the artist is so distinctive that it can be imitated, but never truly replicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

In Augustine God's eternal ideas of finite beings represent the possibilities of how the highest being can be imitated, the possibilities thus having an ontological foundation in God's essence.

SEP

God can have the ideas of all things within him because he contains an infinite number of perfections and, as discussed in section 2, he sees all possible beings by considering how his perfections can be imitated in finite ways.

SEP

But machines can be imitated.

The New York Times - Books

The seer Harold McGee says, "The moistening and tenderising effects of fat – but not its aerating abilities – can be imitated by some concentrated fruit purées, notably prune, apple, apricot and pear".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

TagCandy's makers says even the sensations of "fireworks and airplanes" can be imitated.

TechCrunch

A variety of voltage distortions can be imitated through the combinations of the various voltage harmonics.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

All furs can thus be imitated; not only that, you can have a fur evening jacket in red or green.

The New Yorker

However, given the tendency of social innovations to be modified more readily during their diffusion, a somewhat ambiguous quality should be considered: social innovations can both be imitated and thus replicated more readily in different contexts when they can easily be adapted; however, it is also possible that they are transformed into forms very different from the original ideas.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

How far can Utopia be imitated?

SEP

These structures can sometimes be imitated in engineering structures.

Polymeric Foams Structure-Property-Performance A Design Guide

The finding confirms Sundbo (1998) and Gronroos (1978) argument that services are intangible and can easily be imitated and hence to be relevant in such an industry it is important to be continuously innovating.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be imitated", ensure that the subject performing the imitation and the object being imitated are clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who or what is doing the imitating and what is being copied.

Common error

Avoid using "can be imitated" when a more specific verb like "replicated", "copied", or "simulated" would provide greater clarity and precision. Overusing "can be imitated" can make your writing vague and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be imitated" functions as a passive construction indicating the potential for something to be copied or mimicked. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The auxiliary verb 'can' denotes possibility, while 'be imitated' signifies the action being performed on the subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be imitated" correctly conveys the possibility of something being copied or mimicked. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability across various domains. While alternatives like "can be replicated" or "can be copied" exist, each carries slightly different connotations, so the best choice depends on the specific context. The phrase is common in scientific and news media sources. When using "can be imitated", ensure clarity regarding who is imitating what. Avoid overuse, as a more precise verb might enhance your writing. The phrase serves to express that the characteristics of an item are easy enough to be copied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be replicated

Focuses on exact reproduction or duplication of something.

can be copied

Emphasizes the act of making a duplicate, often without the same level of skill or precision.

can be mirrored

Suggests a reflection or close resemblance, rather than a perfect copy.

can be emulated

Implies striving to equal or surpass the original through imitation.

can be simulated

Highlights creating a model or representation that mimics the behavior or characteristics of the original.

is open to imitation

Highlights the susceptibility or vulnerability of something to being copied.

can be paralleled

Suggests a similarity or correspondence between two things, without necessarily involving direct copying.

can be mocked

Refers to imitating someone or something in a humorous or satirical way.

can be cloned

Suggests creating a genetically identical copy, usually in a biological context.

can be forged

Implies creating a fraudulent copy with the intent to deceive.

FAQs

How can I use "can be imitated" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be imitated" is used to describe something that is capable of being copied or replicated. For example: "The artist's unique style "can be imitated", but never truly duplicated".

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

You can use alternatives like "can be replicated", "can be copied", or "can be emulated" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can be imitated"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct and widely used. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

What's the difference between "can be imitated" and "can be replicated"?

"Can be imitated" implies a broader sense of mirroring or resembling, while "can be replicated" suggests a more precise and exact reproduction.