impersonate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "impersonate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe someone who is pretending to be someone else. For example, "The actor was hired to impersonate a famous politician."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Federal police will gain the power to secretly search a terrorism suspect's home, enter through an innocent neighbour's property and impersonate people, without having to notify the subjects of the warrant for six months or more.

The Guardian

Officers would have "the power to impersonate a person where reasonably necessary to execute the warrant".

The Guardian

" I don't think I will – the scripting and directing are so tight, and I've got my character, and I don't want to run the risk of starting to try to impersonate someone else.

The Guardian

If, following a dodgy patch after the death of Princess Diana, the latter part of her reign has been a PR triumph for the Queen, much of the credit must surely to go the woman who now appears to impersonate – or as one critic has it, "regally inhabit" – her on pretty much a full-time basis: Helen Mirren.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sophisticated scammers used official lists to spot and then impersonate registered but apathetic voters.

The Economist

He could impersonate a cook, a waiter, a manager, a celebrity or even the restaurant owner, all of whom might be entitled to free pancakes.

The Economist

Another option is to impersonate the mobile network itself, by setting up a fake base-station and persuading the target's phone to connect to it.

The Economist

It relies on the fact that it is difficult to impersonate a voice.

The Economist

They have, as it were, been caught in the act of evolving to impersonate them precisely.In this section To hack, or not to hack?

The Economist

And once a system has been hacked, malware can steal secrets, record keystrokes, capture camera and microphone feeds, and even inject arbitrary keystrokes or mouse movements to impersonate the owner often without their knowledge until the operating system is reinstalled or the computer gets replaced.

The Economist

"This [was] not the political spectacle to which Silvio has made us accustomed," said Antonio Cornacchione, a comedian who likes to impersonate the prime minister while dressed as Napoleon.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impersonate" when you want to specifically emphasize the act of pretending to be someone else, often with the intent to deceive or entertain. For instance, use it when discussing identity theft or a comedian's act.

Common error

Avoid using "impersonate" when you mean to "emulate". "Impersonate" implies deception or performance, while "emulate" means to admire and try to be like someone. For example, a child might emulate their hero, but a criminal might impersonate a police officer.

Linguistic Context

The verb "impersonate" functions primarily to describe the act of pretending to be another person, often with the intention to deceive or entertain. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its common usage in describing actions where someone assumes a different identity. Examples show its application in contexts ranging from criminal activity to theatrical performances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impersonate" is a verb used to describe the act of pretending to be another person, often with the intent to deceive or entertain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its register is neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Common synonyms include "pose as", "masquerade as", and "mimic". A key writing tip is to avoid confusing it with "emulate", which means to admire and try to be like someone, rather than pretending to be them. With "impersonate" appearing frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias, it's essential to understand its proper usage for clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose as

Focuses on pretending to be someone, often for a specific purpose or situation.

masquerade as

Implies a more elaborate or deceptive form of impersonation, often to conceal one's true identity.

feign to be

Suggests a deliberate attempt to create a false impression of being someone or something.

mimic

Highlights the act of copying someone's behavior or speech, often for comedic effect.

do an impression of

Specifically refers to performing an imitation of someone, often in an entertaining way.

act like

Emphasizes behaving in a manner similar to someone else, but doesn't necessarily imply deception.

simulate

Refers to creating a likeness or imitation, often in a technical or experimental context.

copy

Indicates a direct replication of someone's actions or appearance, without necessarily deceit.

ape

Suggests a crude or exaggerated form of imitation.

sham

Implies that something is a fake or counterfeit version of something else.

FAQs

How is "impersonate" used in a sentence?

Use "impersonate" to describe the act of pretending to be another person. For example, "The con artist tried to "impersonate" a doctor to gain access to the hospital."

What are some synonyms for "impersonate"?

Alternatives to "impersonate" include "pose as", "masquerade as", or "mimic", depending on the context.

Is it illegal to "impersonate" someone?

Yes, in many jurisdictions, it is illegal to "impersonate" someone with the intent to deceive or commit fraud. This is often referred to as identity theft.

What's the difference between "impersonate" and "imitate"?

"Imitate" means to copy someone's actions or behavior, while "impersonate" implies a more thorough pretense of being that person, often with the intent to deceive or entertain. For example, someone might "imitate" a celebrity's walk, but they would "impersonate" them for a role in a movie.