mimic of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mimic of" can be grammatically correct and usable in written English, but it may not be the most common or natural way to express the concept.
It could be used in a literary or creative writing context, or in a more formal or technical context, but it might sound stilted or awkward in everyday speech. Example: "The actor's performance was a near-perfect mimic of the original character from the book."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Basically all of Washington is a mimic of the past".

The New York Times - Arts

CliffsNotes was started in 1958, itself a mimic of literary notes marketed by a Canadian bookseller.

The New York Times

What I did was to become a mimic of old age.

The Guardian - Books

Donna is no longer a wry helium mimic of a 50s croon tune, it simply is one.

The Guardian - Music

Wahrman sees Collier as an artful mimic of mass-produced pamphlets and of the transient world in which he lived.

The Guardian - Books

The adult borer is a day-flying mimic of the pepsid wasp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr Hollande has become an accomplished mimic of his former boss's gestures, arm movements and ponderous walk.

The Economist

Insects are attracted by the mimic of a nectar-bearing true flower and by a carrion-like odour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Watch any of his remaining recordings, and there is just no arguing with his unteachable brilliance as a mimic of human voices, words and movement.

The Guardian

Now that mimic of a boy is a 36-year-old man trying to do something that has not been done since Ted Williams hit.406 in 1941.

The New York Times - Sports

The sand has so far proved an excellent mimic of regular sand, which is used to produce glass, after all.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mimic of" when you want to describe something that closely resembles another thing, either in appearance, behavior, or function. It suggests imitation but not necessarily a perfect copy.

Common error

While "mimic of" is generally acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "replicate", "simulate", or "emulate" to add variety and precision to your language. Over-reliance on a single phrase detracts from clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mimic of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adjectivally to describe a noun that imitates or closely resembles another. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its common usage in describing imitative qualities or functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mimic of" functions as a prepositional phrase that denotes resemblance or imitation. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and very common, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While versatile, overusing the phrase may lead to monotony; therefore, diversifying your writing with synonyms such as "reproduction of", "simulation of", or "emulation of" is advisable. By understanding its purpose and context, you can effectively use "mimic of" while maintaining writing clarity and sophistication. Although, the phrase is acceptable, consider the formality of the writing when choosing it over a synonym.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reproduction of

Focuses on duplicating or recreating something, differing from "mimic of" which implies imitation.

simulation of

Emphasizes creating a model or representation, unlike "mimic of" which suggests a resemblance without being a perfect copy.

emulation of

Implies striving to equal or surpass the original, whereas "mimic of" suggests simply copying.

replication of

Highlights the act of creating an exact copy, differing from "mimic of" which implies a less precise imitation.

approximation of

Suggests a close but not exact resemblance, whereas "mimic of" may or may not be close.

representation of

Focuses on portraying or symbolizing something, whereas "mimic of" is about imitation in form or function.

counterfeit of

Implies a deceptive imitation, whereas "mimic of" is not necessarily deceptive.

semblance of

Highlights an outward appearance or impression, while "mimic of" refers to a more direct imitation.

echo of

Suggests a faint or indirect resemblance, differing from the more direct imitation implied by "mimic of".

caricature of

Implies an exaggerated imitation, typically for comedic effect, unlike "mimic of" which is neutral.

FAQs

How can I use "mimic of" in a sentence?

You can use "mimic of" to describe something that imitates or resembles something else. For example, "The software is a "mimic of" a popular design program".

What are some alternatives to "mimic of"?

Alternatives include "reproduction of", "simulation of", or "emulation of", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "mimic of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "mimic of" might sometimes sound less formal. Consider more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "replication of" or "representation of" in formal contexts to enhance clarity and precision.

What's the difference between "mimic of" and "emulation of"?

"Mimic of" suggests imitation, while "emulation of" implies striving to equal or surpass the original. Emulation carries a stronger sense of admiration and aspiration than "mimic of".