imitate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "imitate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to copy the behavior, speech, or actions of someone else. An example sentence is: She has the ability to imitate any dialect perfectly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

George Cukor, the second of four directors on the picture, got rid of the blonde wig and doll's makeup that Garland had been given, presumably to imitate Temple, and stressed the character's naturalness, a quality the younger star often lacked.

The Guardian - Film

The Green Solution House (doubles from £117 B&B), which opened in April, seeks to imitate natural systems by using reusable and biodegradable materials.

The Guardian - Travel

In another sequel, wheelchair-user Anthony Ince tries and fails to imitate the 'race the tube' viral video from earlier this month.

The Guardian

The legislation will distinguish between everyday psychoactive substances such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and some medicinal products and new designer drugs that imitate more traditional illegal substances.

The Guardian

Camden noted with disapproval: "And yet in France and the Netherlands, the better sort of women will still retain their own name with their husbands … But I fear husbands will not like this note, for that some of their dames may be ambitiously over-pert and too forward to imitate it".

The Guardian - Books

"If we are imitating, why can't we imitate the best?" asks Angawi, in a tone of desperation.

The Guardian - Arts

You can't just imitate the patterns you see around you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

First of all the prime minister himself would begin to suspect that it was true; and then Johnson might be tempted to allow life to imitate the newspaper stories.

The Guardian - Opinion

These drugs imitate the effects of cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA and cannabis.

The Guardian

He might also be Russia's most hated vlogger, with a reputation as a wannabe Justin Bieber, ever since other YouTubers and fans made fun of him for trying to imitate the Canadian singer.

The Guardian

Russia, a once and perhaps future rival, has neither the money nor the know-how to imitate the latest American advances.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imitate", consider the context. Does it imply admiration (emulate) or mockery (ape)? Choose the word that best reflects the intended nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "imitate" when you mean to express originality or invention. "Imitate" means to copy, while innovate means to create something new.

Linguistic Context

The word "imitate" functions primarily as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what or whom is being copied. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "imitate" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of copying or mirroring something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. When using "imitate", consider its subtle differences from synonyms like "mimic", "copy", and "emulate" to ensure the most accurate and impactful communication. Remember to avoid confusing it with "innovate", which implies originality rather than replication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mimic

Focuses on close replication, often of mannerisms or speech.

copy

A general term for creating a likeness or duplicate.

emulate

Implies admiringly copying someone's behavior or achievements.

simulate

Focuses on creating a model or representation of something.

replicate

Emphasizes producing an exact copy or repetition.

mirror

Suggests a direct reflection or mirroring of actions.

ape

Implies a crude or clumsy imitation.

follow

Suggests taking someone or something as an example.

reproduce

Focuses on creating a new version of something.

parrot

Indicates repeating someone's words or actions without understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "imitate" in a sentence?

You can use "imitate" to describe copying actions or behaviors, such as: "The child tried to "imitate" her mother's cooking."

What are some alternatives to the word "imitate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "mimic", "copy", or "emulate".

Is there a difference between "imitate" and "emulate"?

"Imitate" generally means to copy, while "emulate" suggests copying someone out of admiration or respect, striving to achieve the same qualities or success.

What is the difference between "imitate" and "simulate"?

"Imitate" means to copy the behavior or appearance of something, while "simulate" means to create a model or representation of something, often for testing or training purposes.