modeled themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modeled themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how individuals or groups have shaped their identities or behaviors based on certain influences or examples. Example: "The students modeled themselves after their favorite authors, adopting similar writing styles and themes in their own work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Even movements that openly modeled themselves on Fascism -- like Hitler's Brown Shirts and Franco's Falange, were, he felt, something different.

The New York Times - Books

They modeled themselves on modern mainland Chinese writers and realistically depicted lives in the lower economic classes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gang members modeled themselves after the Mau Mau, Kenya's independence fighters who wore dreadlocks, took secret oaths and waged a hit-and-run guerrilla war against British colonizers.

The New York Times

The Jets had spent a lifetime in the shadow of the Patriots, continually bullied, battered and beaten by the organization they modeled themselves after.

The New York Times - Sports

Dedicated to achieving Croatian independence from Yugoslavia, the ustaše modeled themselves on the Italian Fascists and founded terrorist training centres in Italy and Hungary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Sadrists, whose influence rose during last year's elections, have modeled themselves consciously after Hezbollah, as a populist movement that grew out of a militia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Everyone wants to model themselves after T.R. now," Mr. Perrell said.

The New York Times

Legions of fans, nicknamed Numanoids, modelled themselves on his robo-pop image.

The Guardian

Are the five in some way modelling themselves on these forbidding figures?

The Guardian - Books

Violinists have hundreds of superstars to model themselves after, from Itzhak Perlman to Hilary Hahn.

The New Yorker

Dozens of city magazines modeling themselves after New York sprang up around the country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modeled themselves", ensure the subject clearly understands and intentionally adopts the characteristics or behaviors of the model. This clarifies the active choice in emulation.

Common error

Avoid using "modeled themselves" when the influence is superficial or coincidental. The phrase implies a deliberate and significant adoption of traits or behaviors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modeled themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating that the subject has taken itself as the object of the verb. It describes the act of imitating or using someone or something as a pattern for one's own development or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modeled themselves" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of intentionally imitating or emulating specific characteristics or behaviors. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in news articles, encyclopedias, and other sources. While suitable for various registers, it's important to ensure the subject actively and consciously adopts the attributes of the model. Alternatives include "emulated themselves" or "patterned themselves after", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Understanding the contexts in which this phrase is used can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emulated themselves

Emphasizes striving to equal or surpass, often implying admiration.

patterned themselves after

Highlights a deliberate use of a model or template.

fashioned themselves after

Suggests shaping one's identity or approach based on a specific influence.

took as their model

Directly indicates adopting someone or something as a guide.

mirrored themselves on

Implies a close and reflective imitation.

shaped themselves after

Emphasizes the active process of development influenced by an example.

structured themselves around

Focuses on how an organization or system is built using a specific framework.

adapted their style to

Highlights a change in approach to match a particular standard or trend.

replicated

Simply copies or reproduces something, often without deeper meaning or purpose.

imitated

Basic form of copying behavior, often without deeper integration or adaptation.

FAQs

How can I use "modeled themselves" in a sentence?

Use "modeled themselves" to indicate that a person or group has consciously and deliberately imitated or adopted aspects of another's behavior, style, or structure. For example, "The new company "patterned themselves after" Google's innovative work environment".

What are some alternatives to "modeled themselves"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "emulated themselves", "patterned themselves after", or "fashioned themselves after". Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance of meaning.

Is it correct to say "modeled after themselves"?

No, the correct reflexive form is "modeled themselves". "Modeled after themselves" is grammatically incorrect and does not convey a coherent meaning.

What's the difference between "modeled themselves on" and "modeled themselves after"?

While both are acceptable, "modeled themselves on" tends to emphasize the specific qualities or attributes being imitated, whereas "modeled themselves after" emphasizes the person or entity serving as the overall model. For example, "They "modeled themselves on" his leadership style" versus "They "modeled themselves after" him".