has been imitated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been imitated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been copied or replicated by others in the past and continues to be recognized as such. Example: "The artist's unique style has been imitated by many aspiring painters over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

It has been imitated by other photographers, but the imitations have seldom approached the animation of the originals; in any case, as soon as the imitators have mastered at least the surface elements of one of Avedon's innovations, he has always popped up with some entirely new departure, for he has never been one to stand still.

The New Yorker

Every aspect of his style, including his slight speech impediment, has been imitated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their sound has been imitated by bands from Black Sabbath to Nirvana.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It achieved a poised "classical" beauty that has been imitated ever since.

The Guardian - Arts

That logo has been imitated by his group I Meditate New York, with the heart replaced by a sitting meditator.

The New York Times

"The Big Parade" follows a formula that may now seem familiar, if only because it has been imitated so often.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Former Baltimore Police Officer Bobby Berger has been imitating the infamous and incredibly offensive blackface performer Al Jolson since the 1980s, when he got fired for performing the act off duty.

Vice

Have the hero discover he has a twin brother who has been imitating him in every way and is now in trouble.

WikiHow

He said many of Egypt's antiterrorism initiatives, like military tribunals, had been imitated by the Untied States.

The New York Times

By then, it was famed as a bastion of the modern movement, whose approach to arts education had been imitated all over the world.

The New York Times - Arts

Basketry patterns and sometimes container forms have been imitated by wood-carvers; textile weavers also use decorative motifs derived from basketry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been imitated" to denote that something has been copied or replicated, especially when emphasizing the widespread influence or recognition of the original.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "has been imitated" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "copied" or "mimicked" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been imitated" functions as a passive voice construction of the verb 'imitate'. It indicates that the subject has undergone the action of being copied or replicated by others. As Ludwig AI suggests, this is a common phrase used to describe influence and replication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been imitated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something has been copied or replicated. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase enjoys common usage across numerous contexts. It appears most often in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While its formality makes it suitable for professional and academic writing, simpler alternatives such as "copied" or "mimicked" may be more appropriate in informal settings. When choosing a suitable alternative, consider the desired nuance – whether the focus is on exact reproduction ("has been copied"), systematic replication ("has been replicated"), or inspirational influence ("has been inspired by").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been copied

Focuses on the act of making a duplicate, often implying a direct and possibly exact reproduction.

has been replicated

Suggests a systematic or scientific reproduction, implying precision and control.

has been mirrored

Implies a reflection or close resemblance, often used in contexts where the imitation is not exact but similar in essence.

has been emulated

Indicates an effort to match or surpass the original, often with admiration or respect.

has been borrowed from

Suggests that elements from the original were taken and incorporated into something else.

has been inspired by

Highlights the influence of the original, without necessarily implying a direct copy.

has been derived from

Emphasizes the origin or source of something, suggesting a process of development or extraction.

has been adapted from

Implies a modification or alteration of the original to suit a different purpose or context.

has been influenced by

Indicates a more subtle and indirect effect of the original on something else.

has been fashioned after

Suggests that something has been created or designed to resemble the original.

FAQs

What does "has been imitated" mean?

The phrase "has been imitated" means that something has been copied or replicated, often to a significant extent. It implies that the original work or idea has served as a model for others.

What can I say instead of "has been imitated"?

You can use alternatives like "has been copied", "has been replicated", or "has been emulated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has been imitated by"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "has been imitated by" to indicate who or what is doing the imitating. For example: "The artist's style has been imitated by many of her students."

What is the difference between "has been imitated" and "has been influenced by"?

"Has been imitated" implies a direct copying or replication, while "has been influenced by" suggests a more subtle and indirect effect. Imitation involves replication, while influence involves inspiration or shaping.