have been imitated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been imitated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been copied or replicated by others over a period of time. Example: "Many successful artists have been imitated by aspiring musicians seeking to replicate their sound."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

His short treatises, in a mixture of poetry and prose (and written under Ibn al-ʿArabī's influence), have been imitated often.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of the organizational aspects of physics, based partly on the successes of the radar and atomic-bomb projects of World War II, also have been imitated in large-scale scientific projects, as, for example, in astronomy and space research.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Dymovsky's Internet appeals have been imitated by other Russians who are despondent about official malfeasance and believe that they have no other outlet for their views because the state-controlled media whitewashes these problems.

The New York Times

(This year Parisians have also instigated spontaneous nuits debouts, night-time protest meetings in the Place de la République that have been imitated across France and given François Hollande's government trouble).

The Guardian - Arts

Lately, however, the road reporters are spending more time helping AAA start the Internet version of its TripTiks, the point-to-point route planners that have been imitated by Web sites like MapQuest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Campaigns are often exercises in imitation, but it's striking how many of this year's contenders have been imitating past Republican primary candidates who lost.

The New York Times

Forgers have been imitating the writing of famous people since the time of the Ptolemies or earlier.

The New Yorker

Fly fishermen have been imitating insects for centuries by tying coloured feathers and thread around hooks, and firms like Northland Fishing Tackle of Bemidji, Minnesota, produce the same lure in dozens of different patterns.

The Economist

(Gerstl scholars have speculated that he cut his hair short in periods of depression, although he may simply have been imitating the playwright Frank Wedekind, whose close-cropped-convict look was later adopted by Brecht).

The New Yorker

Its iPhone has been imitated by larger competitors like Samsung Electronics, Nokia, LG and Research In Motion.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been imitated" to describe the widespread adoption or replication of a specific style, method, or idea. For example, "The artist's unique brushstrokes have been imitated by many aspiring painters."

Common error

While "have been imitated" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider rephrasing to use active voice when appropriate, such as "Many artists have imitated the style."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been imitated" functions as the passive perfect form of the verb 'imitate'. It indicates that a subject has undergone the action of being copied or replicated by others, often over a period. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been imitated" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the act of something being copied or replicated. Ludwig's analysis confirms its proper usage. It appears most frequently in news and media and encyclopedia contexts, signifying its role in describing the spread of ideas, styles, or methods. While grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice should be avoided. Related phrases include alternatives such as "have been copied" and "have been replicated", each carrying slightly different connotations. Overall, "have been imitated" is a versatile phrase for expressing the influence and adoption of something over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been copied

Replaces 'imitated' with 'copied', suggesting a direct and often less nuanced form of replication.

have been replicated

Substitutes 'imitated' with 'replicated', implying a more precise and systematic reproduction.

have been emulated

Replaces 'imitated' with 'emulated', suggesting admiration and a desire to match the original.

have been mirrored

Substitutes 'imitated' with 'mirrored', implying a close resemblance or reflection.

have been adopted

Replaces 'imitated' with 'adopted', emphasizing the acceptance and use of an idea or practice.

have been influenced by

Shifts the focus to influence, suggesting a more indirect form of imitation where the original serves as inspiration.

have taken inspiration from

Emphasizes the inspirational aspect, implying that the original work served as a creative spark.

have followed the example of

Highlights the act of following a precedent or model.

have borrowed from

Suggests a direct taking of elements from the original, often implying a less transformative adaptation.

have drawn inspiration from

Similar to 'have been influenced by' but emphasizes the active process of seeking inspiration.

FAQs

What is an alternative to "have been imitated" that implies a positive influence?

You could use phrases like "have been inspired by" or "have emulated" to suggest that the original work was a positive model.

How can I use "have been imitated" in a sentence?

You can say, "His innovative teaching methods "have been imitated" by educators worldwide" to show that his methods are being copied.

What is the difference between "have been copied" and "have been imitated"?

"Have been copied" generally implies a direct and exact reproduction, whereas ""have been imitated"" suggests a less precise replication, possibly with some variations or adaptations.

Is it appropriate to use "have been imitated" in formal writing?

Yes, "have been imitated" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing the influence of ideas or styles. Just ensure the sentence structure is clear and concise.