it was imitated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was imitated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been copied or replicated by someone or something else in the past. Example: "The original artwork was so popular that it was imitated by many artists around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It was imitated by the South Carolina code of 1740.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was imitated, often badly, by minimalists such as Frederick Barthelme, Mary Robison, and Amy Hempel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was imitated by Greek and Latin writers and influenced the development of Latin satire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was imitated by Seneca and the Greek satirist Lucian and influenced the development of Latin satire by Horace and Juvenal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Italian majolica, particularly that made in Faenza, was much admired, and in the early 16th century it was imitated in France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The design proved so widely recognizable that it was imitated, among other places, on the Sesame Street album "Born to Add," with Muppets replacing men.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In one case it is made of standard-issue white cloth; in another it is imitated by a paper bag.

The New York Times - Arts

In a needy bid for viewers, public television imitates just as much as it's imitated, putting on pop knockoffs like "America's Ballroom Challenge".

The New York Times - Arts

But far from exhibiting convivencia, these resemblances display the power of a culture as dominant as American popular culture is now: it is imitated even if otherwise opposed.

The New York Times - Arts

Innovation in language becomes relevant when it is imitated and spread to other speakers and musicians.

Springer

During modeling, it is imitated that the nanocapsule is placed on the substrate, i.e., the nanotube base is fixed the nanocapsule left end is demonstrated in Fig. 1.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs like 'replicated', 'mirrored', or 'emulated' to convey the specific type of imitation more accurately.

Common error

Avoid using "it was imitated" when the 'it' is unclear or ambiguous. Always ensure the reader knows what is being referenced to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was imitated" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject received the action of being copied or replicated. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was imitated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction to indicate that something has been copied or replicated. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, with common usage in news, encyclopedias, and general writing. While versatile, clarity is key, and alternative phrasings might offer more precision depending on the context. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse audiences and purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was replicated

Replaces 'imitated' with 'replicated', suggesting a more precise copy.

it was copied

Uses 'copied' instead of 'imitated', indicating a direct duplication.

it was emulated

Substitutes 'imitated' with 'emulated', suggesting admiration and aspiration in the copying.

it was mirrored

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

it was cloned

Uses 'cloned' instead of 'imitated', suggesting an exact genetic or functional duplicate.

it was patterned after

Expresses imitation as following a pattern or model.

it drew inspiration from

Highlights the inspirational aspect of the imitation.

it took its cue from

Suggests that something was guided or prompted by the original.

it followed the lead of

Implies that something followed the example or direction of the original.

it was modeled on

Indicates that something was created using the original as a design template.

FAQs

How can I use "it was imitated" in a sentence?

Use "it was imitated" to describe something that has been copied or replicated. For example, "The architectural style was so influential that "it was imitated" in several other buildings".

What are some alternatives to "it was imitated"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was replicated", "it was copied", or "it was emulated", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing imitation?

While "it was imitated" (passive) is correct, using the active voice can sometimes be more direct and concise. For instance, instead of "it was imitated by many artists", you could say "many artists imitated it".

What's the difference between "it was imitated" and "it was inspired by"?

"It was imitated" implies a direct copying or replication, while "it was inspired by" suggests that something served as a creative influence but was not necessarily copied directly.